The Army and rebel organisations are currently engaged in an escalating violent war in Myanmar's border regions. According to Thai officials, this has caused an evacuation of more than 5,000 people into nearby Thai officials

Officials: Over 5,000 refugees enter Thailand

After Thailand became the first&nbsp;Asian country to legalise the use of marijuana last year, the drug has become a political football as Thai politicians head for elections next month. Pro-cannabis&nbsp;activists and retailers say that supplies&nbsp;'coming in from the United States' are hurting the prospects of&nbsp;profitability from domestic cannabis production.&nbsp;

Since 2018, thousands of cannabis shops and businesses have become an integral part and source of attraction at the country's most-visited tourism hotspots. But from lack of legislative framework towards the demands for regulation on cannabis consumption to political opposition and illegal import of the drug hurting the country's farmers, the drug has attained a centre stage in Thai polity.&nbsp;

<h2>Thailand's legalisation of weed: What the ongoing tussle is about?</h2>

The country is headed for polls on May 14. The marijuana consumption has emerged as a matter seen to be driving political dividends in the southeast Asian country. The opposition has accused the ruling government for rushing through the decriminalisation. They say that it is detrimental to society, particularly the youngsters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-becomes-first-asian-country-to-legalise-consumption-of-marijuana-486464">Thailand becomes first Asian country to legalise consumption of marijuana</a>

Secondly, the legal framework for regulation of cannabis is not clearly set out. A related proposed law did not get through the parliament in February 2023.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the cannabis crop has reportedly not given Thai farmers expected financial dividends amid reported illegal import of cannabis from other parts of the world, purportedly due to so-called difference in quality of cannabis grown in Thailand and elsewhere. Apart from that, the drug was sold out so much in the country that Thailand ran out of local supplies of the drug, prompting illegal imports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-joint-rolling-competition-in-phuket-as-cannabis-remains-nations-top-election-issue-576026">A joint rolling competition in Phuket as cannabis remains nation's top election issue</a>

According to Kajkanit Sakdisubha, CEO and founder of Taratera, which operates cannabis farms and shops, illegal supplies of the drug began when the initial boom after legalisation of the drug led to domestic supplies running out.

"Then the imported flowers started coming in," Kajkanit said, referring to the potent buds favoured by smokers.

Marijuana smuggled in from abroad has swamped Thailand, driving down wholesale prices and hurting growers, the industry members cited by Reuters said.&nbsp;

Pro-cannabis activist and retailer Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka told Reuters that the United States was the main source of the marijuana that has flooded Thailand, especially in its tourist centres.

"A lot of cannabis that's coming in from the U.S. is going to dispensaries in Bangkok or Phuket or Pattaya," she said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Thailand: Dispute over marijuana industry as APEC leaders gather in Bangkok

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&nbsp;

Thailand Health Minister Anutin, whose party's 2019 campaign website featured marijuana plants sprouting gold coins, told Reuters that importing any part of the cannabis plant without permission was prohibited and should be stopped.

"It's illegal," he said, "If they are importing illegally, we will have to use law enforcement."

The Thai Chamber of Commerce has estimated that the sector, which also includes medicinal products, could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025.

A cannabis grower Srapathum Natthapong, 37, &nbsp;said he had seen his returns dwindle.

"In the early days, I could sell a kilo for between 350,000 and 400,000 baht ($10,200-$11,600)," said Srapathum, who runs three indoor farms.

In April, when the next harvest is due, Srapathum expects the price will have slumped to 200,000 baht ($5,800) per kilogram.

"The smuggled stuff is damaging us," he said.

Data cited by Reuters say that about 1.1 million people in Thailand have registered with the government to grow cannabis. It is not clear if all are doing so or how many people are growing it without registering.

<h2>Foreign-origin marijuana highlighted in commercial settings</h2>

A report by Reuters said that in Bangkok's Khaosan Road tourist haunt, some stalls selling cannabis prominently highlight their foreign supplies.

"CANNABIS MADE IN U.S.A," one shop proclaimed in a sign, Reuters report added.

At least half the cannabis being sold in Thailand is being smuggled in, three industry members said, though they had no estimates for the quantity or value of the imports.

Activists allege that the United States is the main source of the marijuana that has flooded Thailand, especially in its tourist centres.

Pornchai Padmindra of the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association, which has about 300 members, said faced with shrinking profit margins many growers were considering quitting the industry.

"People are struggling," he told Reuters. "Things are becoming difficult."

Thailand is widely seen as a country tough on illegal drugs.

Opposition leader&nbsp;Thaksin oversaw a bloody crackdown when he was Prime Minister in the early 2000s.

His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is confident of leading&nbsp;the party to victory in May. She has condemned marijuana as a threat to society, especially the young. Her party has vowed to restrict it apart from the medical purposes.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 284 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 smoked cannabis in 2020.

Around the world, 70 nations have legalised cannabis in some capacity for medical purposes. &nbsp;The commercial sale of recreational cannabis is legalised in three countries; Thailand, Uruguay and Canada.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After Thailand became the first Asian country to legalise the use of marijuana last year, the drug has become a political football as Thai politicians head for elections next month.

After Thailand became the first Asian country to legalise the use of marijuana last year, the drug has become a political football as Thai politicians head for elections next month. Pro-cannabis activists and retailers say that supplies 'coming in from the United States' are hurting the prospects of profitability from domestic cannabis production. Since 2018, thousands of cannabis shops and businesses have become an integral part and source of attraction at the country's most-visited tourism hotspots. But from lack of legislative framework towards the demands for regulation on cannabis consumption to political opposition and illegal import of the drug hurting the country's farmers, the drug has attained a centre stage in Thai polity. Thailand's legalisation of weed: What the ongoing tussle is about? The country is headed for polls on May 14. The marijuana consumption has emerged as a matter seen to be driving political dividends in the southeast Asian country. The opposition has accused the ruling government for rushing through the decriminalisation. They say that it is detrimental to society, particularly the youngsters. ALSO READ | Thailand becomes first Asian country to legalise consumption of marijuana Secondly, the legal framework for regulation of cannabis is not clearly set out. A related proposed law did not get through the parliament in February 2023. Meanwhile, the cannabis crop has reportedly not given Thai farmers expected financial dividends amid reported illegal import of cannabis from other parts of the world, purportedly due to so-called difference in quality of cannabis grown in Thailand and elsewhere. Apart from that, the drug was sold out so much in the country that Thailand ran out of local supplies of the drug, prompting illegal imports. ALSO READ | A joint rolling competition in Phuket as cannabis remains nation's top election issue According to Kajkanit Sakdisubha, CEO and founder of Taratera, which operates cannabis farms and shops, illegal supplies of the drug began when the initial boom after legalisation of the drug led to domestic supplies running out. "Then the imported flowers started coming in," Kajkanit said, referring to the potent buds favoured by smokers. Marijuana smuggled in from abroad has swamped Thailand, driving down wholesale prices and hurting growers, the industry members cited by Reuters said. Pro-cannabis activist and retailer Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka told Reuters that the United States was the main source of the marijuana that has flooded Thailand, especially in its tourist centres. "A lot of cannabis that's coming in from the U.S. is going to dispensaries in Bangkok or Phuket or Pattaya," she said. ALSO WATCH | Thailand: Dispute over marijuana industry as APEC leaders gather in Bangkok × Thailand Health Minister Anutin, whose party's 2019 campaign website featured marijuana plants sprouting gold coins, told Reuters that importing any part of the cannabis plant without permission was prohibited and should be stopped. "It's illegal," he said, "If they are importing illegally, we will have to use law enforcement." The Thai Chamber of Commerce has estimated that the sector, which also includes medicinal products, could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025. A cannabis grower Srapathum Natthapong, 37, said he had seen his returns dwindle. "In the early days, I could sell a kilo for between 350,000 and 400,000 baht ($10,200-$11,600)," said Srapathum, who runs three indoor farms. In April, when the next harvest is due, Srapathum expects the price will have slumped to 200,000 baht ($5,800) per kilogram. "The smuggled stuff is damaging us," he said. Data cited by Reuters say that about 1.1 million people in Thailand have registered with the government to grow cannabis. It is not clear if all are doing so or how many people are growing it without registering. Foreign-origin marijuana highlighted in commercial settings A report by Reuters said that in Bangkok's Khaosan Road tourist haunt, some stalls selling cannabis prominently highlight their foreign supplies. "CANNABIS MADE IN U.S.A," one shop proclaimed in a sign, Reuters report added. At least half the cannabis being sold in Thailand is being smuggled in, three industry members said, though they had no estimates for the quantity or value of the imports. Activists allege that the United States is the main source of the marijuana that has flooded Thailand, especially in its tourist centres. Pornchai Padmindra of the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association, which has about 300 members, said faced with shrinking profit margins many growers were considering quitting the industry. "People are struggling," he told Reuters. "Things are becoming difficult." Thailand is widely seen as a country tough on illegal drugs. Opposition leader Thaksin oversaw a bloody crackdown when he was Prime Minister in the early 2000s. His daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is confident of leading the party to victory in May. She has condemned marijuana as a threat to society, especially the young. Her party has vowed to restrict it apart from the medical purposes. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 284 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 smoked cannabis in 2020. Around the world, 70 nations have legalised cannabis in some capacity for medical purposes. The commercial sale of recreational cannabis is legalised in three countries; Thailand, Uruguay and Canada. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | America’s 'illegal marijuana imports' hurt Thailand’s weed boom as May elections near

Thailand's main opposition Pheu Thai party confirmed on Wednesday the daughter of billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra as one of its candidates to be prime minister in the kingdom's upcoming election.

Thailand's main opposition Pheu Thai party confirmed on Wednesday the daughter of billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra as one of its candidates to be prime minister in the kingdom's upcoming election. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a 36-year-old with a jet-setting lifestyle and half a million Instagram followers, stands in stark contrast to her establishment rivals, two strait-laced former army chiefs with a combined age of 146. A sea of Pheu Thai supporters, wearing T-shirts in the party's signature colour red, tramped into a football stadium on the northern edge of Bangkok to see Paetongtarn anointed alongside businessman Srettha Thavisin and party strategist Chaikasem Nitisiri. Paetongtarn, who has been campaigning energetically despite being eight months pregnant, said she relished the fight. "It is going to be a challenge but we will go and communicate as much as possible," she told reporters. The parties for the May 14 vote fall into two broad camps -- those backed by Thailand's military and royalist establishment, and more reformist opposition groups with Pheu Thai at their head. Chief among the military-friendly candidates are current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, 69, who came to power in a coup in 2014 and 77-year-old ex-general Prawit Wongsuwan of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party. "We believe that Thais have had a bad experience," Paetongtarn told the crowd. "Pheu Thai come with hope to form the government, to serve people." The party is riding high in the polls but may yet be blocked from seizing the top job by the kingdom's constitution, written in 2017 by the then-ruling military junta. "Pheu Thai cannot win alone, country and people have to win together. So people should vote for their future with Pheu Thai," Paetongtarn said. WATCH | Thailand gears up for general elections, Pheu Thai party hopes for comeback × Campaign trail Thaksin, a 73-year-old telecoms tycoon, is one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern Thai history, still loved by his mainly working class and rural supporters but loathed by the country's royalist-military elite. Ousted as prime minister in a 2006 coup, he lives in Dubai to avoid corruption charges he says are politically motivated. Paetongtarn is a newcomer to frontline politics but she has energised Thaksin's base. A constant presence on the campaign trail, she has told crowds her pregnancy would not prevent her from rallying supporters to oust Prayut. "I am an old face of Pheu Thai, but I think it will be cute to have a woman leader," said 67-year-old Bangkokian Chuthamas Thriwarin. "People who think pregnant women or mothers can't be leaders are idiots," she said, gesticulating furiously. Prayut has insisted the kingdom needs an experienced hand but he has struggled to win over voters, leaving him trailing both Pheu Thai and the reformist Move Forward Party. Represents Thaksin For many, Paetongtarn does not represent a break with Pheu Thai's traditional policies even despite the talk of young versus old. "It doesn't matter whether she has management or political experience or not, as long as she represents Pheu Thai party, she represents Thaksin," Chulalongkorn University political analyst Puangthong Pawakapan said. Paetongtarn's aunt Yingluck, Thailand's first woman premier, was dogged throughout her rule by perceptions that she was little more than her brother's stooge and was eventually ousted in 2014. To avoid a repeat with Paetongtarn, Puangthong said this time the party might use her during the campaign but ultimately push another less controversial candidate as their main choice for leader -- most likely Srettha. The youngest of Thaksin's three children and educated in Thailand and Britain, Paetongtarn managed the hotel branch of her family's real estate business before stepping into politics. Her charisma and astute remarks on the campaign trail have taken by surprise many who had written her off as little more than a political adornment. Supporter Porn Padklong, 70, who took part in the Red Shirt protests decades ago, said he backed Paetongtarn. "She is the new generation, but she will have a direct line of communication." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thaksin Shinawatra's daughter confirmed as opposition PM candidate for upcoming Thai election

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Wildfire rages in Thailand's Khao Laem National Park, Scientists discover ultramassive black hole, Albanian man hides inches away from police, Will AI models relace human models.

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Over 1,000 licensed cannabis dispensaries are operating on Thailand's Phuket, an island which is surrounded by many magnificent beaches and is also a top tourist destination.&nbsp;

But Thailand's relationship with cannabis has been of love-hate lately. As Thailand heads for elections on 7 May, cannabis remains a major election issue. The country's parliament last month had its final session on the cannabis draft bill. Nevertheless, the parliament did not approve it, leaving the nation without a comprehensive law that would have regulated its usage.

Cannabis advocates in Phuket recently formed the Phuket Cannabis Association to make their voices heard. The association organised its&nbsp;first Phuket Cannabis Cup competition which was won by Ativat Janmuangthai. He outperformed other cannabis advocates by rolling a flawless, one-gramme joint in 43 seconds. This set the record for the most speedy joint ever in Phuket, Thailand on Saturday.

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The 30-year-old winner received a monetary reward of 5,000 baht ($146.37), in addition to the title and trophy. It was a first-time gathering of professionals hoping to regulate guidelines for Thailand's cannabis industry. An international panel of judges also took part where they evaluated cannabis strains such as appearance, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, terpenes, flavour, and genetic profiles.

The group's president, Poonwarit Wangpatravanich anticipates that after the elections legislation governing cannabis usage would be rushed through.

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"Imagine what's going to happen if people fly right to Thailand just because of that (cannabis use). We're going to increase such a large amount of GDP in tourism for the whole (of) Thailand," he said, reported Reuters. "The government should be very, very happy!".

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Meanwhile, Thailand's opposition has been saying that the recreational use of cannabis posed a threat to society and young people.&nbsp;

Cannabis is generally used for medicinal and recreational purposes. However, it can also cause negative side effects once individuals become addicted to its use. The plant remains illegal under federal law in many countries, although it has been legalized for medicinal or recreational use in some regions.&nbsp;

Thailand became the first Asian nation to legalize medicinal cannabis in 2022. The Thai government legalised it in June 2022, removing it from a list of medicines that were prohibited from use or sale. It further allowed its use for both medical and culinary purposes. Under the current regulations, patients with certain medical conditions can legally access cannabis for treatment. However, its public use can still result in penalties.&nbsp;

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Over 1,000 licensed cannabis dispensaries are operating on Thailand's Phuket, an island which is surrounded by many magnificent beaches and is also a top tourist destination.

Over 1,000 licensed cannabis dispensaries are operating on Thailand's Phuket, an island which is surrounded by many magnificent beaches and is also a top tourist destination. But Thailand's relationship with cannabis has been of love-hate lately. As Thailand heads for elections on 7 May, cannabis remains a major election issue. The country's parliament last month had its final session on the cannabis draft bill. Nevertheless, the parliament did not approve it, leaving the nation without a comprehensive law that would have regulated its usage. Cannabis advocates in Phuket recently formed the Phuket Cannabis Association to make their voices heard. The association organised its first Phuket Cannabis Cup competition which was won by Ativat Janmuangthai. He outperformed other cannabis advocates by rolling a flawless, one-gramme joint in 43 seconds. This set the record for the most speedy joint ever in Phuket, Thailand on Saturday. Also Read | Walmart lays off hundreds of US employees, gives them 90 days to find job at its other facilities The 30-year-old winner received a monetary reward of 5,000 baht ($146.37), in addition to the title and trophy. It was a first-time gathering of professionals hoping to regulate guidelines for Thailand's cannabis industry. An international panel of judges also took part where they evaluated cannabis strains such as appearance, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, terpenes, flavour, and genetic profiles. The group's president, Poonwarit Wangpatravanich anticipates that after the elections legislation governing cannabis usage would be rushed through. Also Read | Verified Twitter account without Blue checkmark? Musk's platform steps up to avoid shame, trolling "Imagine what's going to happen if people fly right to Thailand just because of that (cannabis use). We're going to increase such a large amount of GDP in tourism for the whole (of) Thailand," he said, reported Reuters. "The government should be very, very happy!". Watch | Twitter CEO Elon Musk to give stocks to employees at $20 dollar valuation × Meanwhile, Thailand's opposition has been saying that the recreational use of cannabis posed a threat to society and young people. Cannabis is generally used for medicinal and recreational purposes. However, it can also cause negative side effects once individuals become addicted to its use. The plant remains illegal under federal law in many countries, although it has been legalized for medicinal or recreational use in some regions. Thailand became the first Asian nation to legalize medicinal cannabis in 2022. The Thai government legalised it in June 2022, removing it from a list of medicines that were prohibited from use or sale. It further allowed its use for both medical and culinary purposes. Under the current regulations, patients with certain medical conditions can legally access cannabis for treatment. However, its public use can still result in penalties. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A joint rolling competition in Phuket as cannabis remains nation's top election issue

Cannabis use has been increasing worldwide over recent decades. The extent of its popularity can be seen in terms of competition being held in Thailand. Recently, Thailand's Phuket witnessed the first-ever joint rolling competition.

Thai man rolls the fastest to win the joint rolling competition in Phuket

US pharmaceutical giant Moderna has come under the scanner for attempting to raise the price of its COVID-19 vaccine. In other news, after a 15-hour standoff, the authorities in Thailand were able to neutralise a gunman that killed three people.&nbsp;

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Moderna, which has so far charged between around $15 to $26 for a dose of its Covid vaccine, is planning to increase prices and charge as much as $130 per dose.

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A gunman who killed three people and wounded three others was shot dead by the Thai police after a 15-hour standoff, a senior officer said Thursday.&nbsp;

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One year into the war, the reconstruction and recovery needs of Ukraine, as per the latest World Bank estimates, have risen to $411 billion. Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery, as per Anna Bjerde, World Bank's vice president for Europe and Central Asia, will "take several years."&nbsp;

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A strike by unionised Starbucks baristas against the company's alleged anti-union coercion was planned on Wednesday at approximately 100 cafes as they welcomed their new CEO Laxman Narasimhan.

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The former British prime minister faced over three hours of grilling before a parliamentary committee that is investigating whether or not he knowingly misled Parliament regarding breaches of Covid-19 guidance and rules inside 10 Downing Street when he led the country.

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US pharmaceutical giant Moderna has come under the scanner for attempting to raise the price of its COVID-19 vaccine. In other news, after a 15-hour standoff, the authorities in Thailand were able to neutralise a gunman that killed three people.

US pharmaceutical giant Moderna has come under the scanner for attempting to raise the price of its COVID-19 vaccine. In other news, after a 15-hour standoff, the authorities in Thailand were able to neutralise a gunman that killed three people. Click on headlines to read more: Moderna comes under fire for 'unprecedented level of corporate greed,' plan to raise Covid vaccine prices Moderna, which has so far charged between around $15 to $26 for a dose of its Covid vaccine, is planning to increase prices and charge as much as $130 per dose. Gunman who killed 3 near Bangkok shot dead by Thai police after 15-hour standoff A gunman who killed three people and wounded three others was shot dead by the Thai police after a 15-hour standoff, a senior officer said Thursday. Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery will take several years, cost $411 billion: World Bank One year into the war, the reconstruction and recovery needs of Ukraine, as per the latest World Bank estimates, have risen to $411 billion. Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery, as per Anna Bjerde, World Bank's vice president for Europe and Central Asia, will "take several years." WATCH | Starbucks workers plan 100-cafe strikes, accuse brand of anti-union coercion A strike by unionised Starbucks baristas against the company's alleged anti-union coercion was planned on Wednesday at approximately 100 cafes as they welcomed their new CEO Laxman Narasimhan. Privileges committee grills Boris Johnson over partygate scandal The former British prime minister faced over three hours of grilling before a parliamentary committee that is investigating whether or not he knowingly misled Parliament regarding breaches of Covid-19 guidance and rules inside 10 Downing Street when he led the country.

Morning news brief: Moderna plans to raise Covid vaccine price, Gunman killed in Thailand and more

A Thai man was sentenced to two years in prison for selling satirical calendars with rubber ducks dressed in royal regalia. The big inflatable ducks became a symbol of the pro-democracy protests in Thailand in 2020 protests as people used the yellow bath toys to protect themselves from police tear gas and water cannon.&nbsp; 
 
Narathorn Chotmankongsin was detained in December 2020 for selling the calendars on the pro-democracy Facebook group Ratasadon. After a six-day trial which ended on Tuesday,&nbsp;the 26-year-old Chotmankongsin was found guilty of insulting the Thai monarch.&nbsp;Thailand has some of the harshest laws in the world prohibiting disrespect for the king.

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In its argument, the prosecution claimed that the calendars were insulting to the monarchy.&nbsp;Thailand's lese-majeste law bans any insult to the monarchy.&nbsp;Almost 200 individuals have been detained under lese majeste laws since 2020. The political opposition in Thailand claims the laws to be an assault on free expression.

The political satire included contentious text and drawings of ducks dressed in royal garb.

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At protests calling for a democratic transition, which often includes calls for monarchy changes, activists frequently utilised the emblem. The photos and descriptions, according to the prosecution, mocked and defamed King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Narathorn was given a three-year sentence on Tuesday by the court, which was later commuted to two years without parole.&nbsp;Human Rights Watch (HRW) claimed the sentencing indicated Thai authorities were penalising any conduct they believed disrespected the king.

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“This case sends a message to all Thais, and to the rest of the world, that Thailand is moving further away from, not closer to becoming a rights-respecting democracy,” said HRW Asia director Elaine Pearson.

Rights groups have accused the Thai government of exploiting the royal insult law in recent years to clamp down on political dissent.

Thailand is regularly condemned for the harshness of the punishments it imposes and the extremely broad interpretations of the lese majeste legislation that it permits.

However, Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayuth Chan-ocha has refuted the condemnation. The monarchy's continued existence is regarded as being crucial to Thailand's national identity, according to the government, which continues to maintain that legislation is necessary to safeguard it. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A Thai man was sentenced to two years in prison for selling satirical calendars with rubber ducks dressed in royal regalia. The big inflatable ducks became a symbol of the pro-democracy protests in Thailand in 2020 protests as people used the yellow bath toys to protect themselves from police tear gas and water cannon.

A Thai man was sentenced to two years in prison for selling satirical calendars with rubber ducks dressed in royal regalia. The big inflatable ducks became a symbol of the pro-democracy protests in Thailand in 2020 protests as people used the yellow bath toys to protect themselves from police tear gas and water cannon. Narathorn Chotmankongsin was detained in December 2020 for selling the calendars on the pro-democracy Facebook group Ratasadon. After a six-day trial which ended on Tuesday, the 26-year-old Chotmankongsin was found guilty of insulting the Thai monarch. Thailand has some of the harshest laws in the world prohibiting disrespect for the king. Also Read | In a first since taking charge, Australia PM Albanese arrives in India In its argument, the prosecution claimed that the calendars were insulting to the monarchy. Thailand's lese-majeste law bans any insult to the monarchy. Almost 200 individuals have been detained under lese majeste laws since 2020. The political opposition in Thailand claims the laws to be an assault on free expression. The political satire included contentious text and drawings of ducks dressed in royal garb. Also Read | Pakistan Aurat March baton charged as demonstrations mark women's day across world At protests calling for a democratic transition, which often includes calls for monarchy changes, activists frequently utilised the emblem. The photos and descriptions, according to the prosecution, mocked and defamed King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Narathorn was given a three-year sentence on Tuesday by the court, which was later commuted to two years without parole. Human Rights Watch (HRW) claimed the sentencing indicated Thai authorities were penalising any conduct they believed disrespected the king. Watch | UN Chief warns gender equality will take 300 years to achieve “This case sends a message to all Thais, and to the rest of the world, that Thailand is moving further away from, not closer to becoming a rights-respecting democracy,” said HRW Asia director Elaine Pearson. Rights groups have accused the Thai government of exploiting the royal insult law in recent years to clamp down on political dissent. Thailand is regularly condemned for the harshness of the punishments it imposes and the extremely broad interpretations of the lese majeste legislation that it permits. However, Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayuth Chan-ocha has refuted the condemnation. The monarchy's continued existence is regarded as being crucial to Thailand's national identity, according to the government, which continues to maintain that legislation is necessary to safeguard it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thai man jailed for selling satirical calendar with duck in royal regalia, a symbol of pro-democracy protests

A conman trying to outsmart authorities with the help of cosmetic surgery is an age-old thing. A similar kind of incident occurred when a Thai drug dealer underwent several facial plastic surgeries to look like a handsome Korean man.&nbsp;

According to the local authorities, the man, Saharat Sawangjaeng, was trying to hide his true identity by using an alias Seong Jimin, a Korean name. However, to his bad luck, he could no longer dupe the authorities as he was caught last week at a condominium in Bangkok.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-stargazers-awestruck-as-captivating-northern-lights-gleam-across-scotland-ireland-and-england-566411">Stargazers awestruck as captivating Northern Lights gleam across Scotland, Ireland and England</a>

Saharat has been charged with the illegal import of narcotics, which included ordering 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). As per National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), MDMA, which is more commonly called Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic medicine that alters mood and perception and is popularly used in the nightclub scene and at all-night dance parties, the "raves."&nbsp;

The police have been on the lookout for Saharat, 25, for the past three months. It said that with plastic surgery, the man was able to get a complete remake of his original face. "None of his original face was left," the police said in a statement.&nbsp;

Several of the witnesses in the case said that the Saharat looked like a handsome Korean man. Upon his arrest, the man revealed that he wanted "to start a new life." He added, "I am bored of Thailand."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-drone-attack-by-belarusian-partisans-damages-russian-military-aircraft-near-minsk-566237">Suspected drone attack by Belarusian partisans damages Russian military aircraft near Minsk</a>

The police were able to spot his location and arrest him on the basis of the MDMA sale he made to different sellers and buyers in Bangkok. This is not the first instance when Saharat has been arrested. The man was inside previously in jail for the past three times, one time on an assault charge. At the time, the police found 290 ecstasy pills and 2kg (4.4lb) of narcotics in liquid form in his possession.&nbsp;

However, the fraudster was able to escape detention and later, to hide his identity and evade further arrest, he underwent heavy surgical procedures.&nbsp;His arrest by the Thai police seems to be very significant as major-general Theeradej Thammasutee reportedly termed him "one of the main causes of Bangkok's MDMA epidemic."&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-couple-gives-birth-to-momo-twins-566290">Trending on WION: Couple gives birth to 'momo' twins</a>

"He is a drug lord importing MDMA from Europe at just 25 years old. We believe there are more suspects in foreign countries. We will continue our investigation," Thammasutee said.

Further linkages into the complete narcotics nexus have not been unearthed as of now as Saharat said that he is unaware of the identity of the people he dealt with. But he did confirm to the police that most of the imported narcotics were from the Netherlands.&nbsp;

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A conman trying to outsmart authorities with the help of cosmetic surgery is an age-old thing. A similar kind of incident occurred when a Thai drug dealer underwent several facial plastic surgeries to look like a handsome Korean man.

A conman trying to outsmart authorities with the help of cosmetic surgery is an age-old thing. A similar kind of incident occurred when a Thai drug dealer underwent several facial plastic surgeries to look like a handsome Korean man. According to the local authorities, the man, Saharat Sawangjaeng, was trying to hide his true identity by using an alias Seong Jimin, a Korean name. However, to his bad luck, he could no longer dupe the authorities as he was caught last week at a condominium in Bangkok. Also Read | Stargazers awestruck as captivating Northern Lights gleam across Scotland, Ireland and England Saharat has been charged with the illegal import of narcotics, which included ordering 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). As per National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), MDMA, which is more commonly called Ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic medicine that alters mood and perception and is popularly used in the nightclub scene and at all-night dance parties, the "raves." The police have been on the lookout for Saharat, 25, for the past three months. It said that with plastic surgery, the man was able to get a complete remake of his original face. "None of his original face was left," the police said in a statement. Several of the witnesses in the case said that the Saharat looked like a handsome Korean man. Upon his arrest, the man revealed that he wanted "to start a new life." He added, "I am bored of Thailand." Also Read | Suspected drone attack by Belarusian partisans damages Russian military aircraft near Minsk The police were able to spot his location and arrest him on the basis of the MDMA sale he made to different sellers and buyers in Bangkok. This is not the first instance when Saharat has been arrested. The man was inside previously in jail for the past three times, one time on an assault charge. At the time, the police found 290 ecstasy pills and 2kg (4.4lb) of narcotics in liquid form in his possession. However, the fraudster was able to escape detention and later, to hide his identity and evade further arrest, he underwent heavy surgical procedures. His arrest by the Thai police seems to be very significant as major-general Theeradej Thammasutee reportedly termed him "one of the main causes of Bangkok's MDMA epidemic." Watch | Trending on WION: Couple gives birth to 'momo' twins "He is a drug lord importing MDMA from Europe at just 25 years old. We believe there are more suspects in foreign countries. We will continue our investigation," Thammasutee said. Further linkages into the complete narcotics nexus have not been unearthed as of now as Saharat said that he is unaware of the identity of the people he dealt with. But he did confirm to the police that most of the imported narcotics were from the Netherlands. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thai drug lord gets plastic surgery to look like 'handsome' Korean man, police bust narcotics racket

The citizens of Thailand are gearing up for the upcoming general elections scheduled for the month of May and the head of the polls - the Pheu Thai party's campaign is in full swing. The party's most visible candidate and former Thailand Prime Minister's daughter is currently leading the campaign bid.

Thailand gears up for general elections, Pheu Thai party hopes for comeback

Over 70 couples in Thailand tied the knot on the back of elephants. Special Valentine's Day mass wedding event was held at Chonburi, Thailand.

Valentine's Day: Thai couples tie the knot atop elephants

After an 18-hour rescue operation, a 19-month-old girl in Thailand was successfully rescued after she fell down into a deep well. Doctors said she is recovering, despite showing signs of fatigue.&nbsp;The incident took place on Monday afternoon in Tak province, near the Myanmar border.&nbsp;The parents of the child were working in a nearby field when they heard the screams of their daughter who had fallen down the 13m (42ft) deep shaft while playing.

The girl is said to have fallen through a 30cm (12in) wide gap at the top of the well.

The parents—who are from Myanmar—raised the alarm after they heard cries coming from the nearby well.

"She has signs of fatigue but still has good vital signs," local police chief Ratsaran Ketsoising told AFP.

Following the incident, rescue teams were dispatched to the site and worked overnight using a mechanical digger.

They dug a 10m deep pit adjacent to the shaft, afterwards, oxygen was pumped into the well to allow the child to breathe.

However, their rescue operation was impeded temporarily over fears that the well could collapse in on itself and harm the child if they continued to use the digger. Then, they used hand-held shovels to remove the final few metres of earth.

According to PBS Thailand, rescue workers reached site around 8 pm local time (01:00 GMT), but were unable to pull her out immediately, as she appeared to have suffered an injury to her leg.

After the successful rescue operation, people began cheering for the girl.

"We are so glad we could rescue her safely," rescue worker Chanachart Wancharernrung told reporters.

"We have been trying since yesterday afternoon. We worked without sleep. Everyone helped out."

(With inputs from agencies)

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After an 18-hour rescue operation, a 19-month-old girl in Thailand was successfully rescued after she fell down into a deep well. Doctors said she is recovering, despite showing signs of fatigue.

After an 18-hour rescue operation, a 19-month-old girl in Thailand was successfully rescued after she fell down into a deep well. Doctors said she is recovering, despite showing signs of fatigue. The incident took place on Monday afternoon in Tak province, near the Myanmar border. The parents of the child were working in a nearby field when they heard the screams of their daughter who had fallen down the 13m (42ft) deep shaft while playing. The girl is said to have fallen through a 30cm (12in) wide gap at the top of the well. The parents—who are from Myanmar—raised the alarm after they heard cries coming from the nearby well. "She has signs of fatigue but still has good vital signs," local police chief Ratsaran Ketsoising told AFP. Following the incident, rescue teams were dispatched to the site and worked overnight using a mechanical digger. They dug a 10m deep pit adjacent to the shaft, afterwards, oxygen was pumped into the well to allow the child to breathe. However, their rescue operation was impeded temporarily over fears that the well could collapse in on itself and harm the child if they continued to use the digger. Then, they used hand-held shovels to remove the final few metres of earth. According to PBS Thailand, rescue workers reached site around 8 pm local time (01:00 GMT), but were unable to pull her out immediately, as she appeared to have suffered an injury to her leg. After the successful rescue operation, people began cheering for the girl. "We are so glad we could rescue her safely," rescue worker Chanachart Wancharernrung told reporters. "We have been trying since yesterday afternoon. We worked without sleep. Everyone helped out." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thai baby who fell into 13m deep well rescued after dramatic 18-hour operation

Ahead of Valentine's day (on February 14), Thailand would distribute 95 million condoms free of cost to curb sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teen pregnancy. In a report by news agency Bloomberg on Tuesday (January 31), government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that starting February 1, universal healthcare cardholders were eligible to receive 10 condoms a week for one year. The condoms would be available in four different sizes and can be bought from pharmacies and primary care units of hospitals across Thailand.&nbsp;

“The campaign to give out free condoms to gold-card holders will help prevent diseases and promote public health,” Dhnadirek said, adding, the diseases which the government aimed to prevent were syphilis, cervical cancer, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and AIDS. &nbsp;About 50 million Thai citizens were enrolled in the government’s universal healthcare scheme (also known as the gold card),&nbsp;which can be used to receive some medical care in public and selected private hospitals, the Bloomberg report on Tuesday said citing government data.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/valentines-week-2023-from-rose-day-to-valentines-day-check-all-important-dates-of-this-love-week-558450">Valentine's Week 2023: Important Dates, Schedule, Calendar, Full List with all names &amp; significance</a>

STDs remain a major public health challenge in Thailand, particularly in the capital city of Bangkok,&nbsp;which is known for its red-light areas. According to official data, Thailand saw a rise in STDs in recent years with syphilis and gonorrhoea making up more than half of the cases in 2021.

The age groups most affected were those between 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 years. The data said that in 2021, 24.4 Thai girls in the age group of 15 to 19 gave birth out of every 1,000, compared to the global rate of 42.5 for the same age group that year, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp;

According to a study published in BMJ Journals in 2019, Bangkok saw an increase in STDs, especially, among young people, with 40% of all STI cases occurring in the 15-24 years age group. The study, which examined trends of STDs in Bangkok from 2013-2017, said the reports of these diseases increased eight folds from 11.8 cases per 100,000 population to 90 cases per 100,000, while the national rate rose four-fold.&nbsp;

The study added that syphilis was the most commonly reported disease in the Thai capital in 2017 — two times the national rate and particularly common among men who had sex with other men.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ahead of Valentine's day (on February 14), Thailand would distribute 95 million condoms free of cost to curb sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teen pregnancy.

Ahead of Valentine's day (on February 14), Thailand would distribute 95 million condoms free of cost to curb sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and teen pregnancy. In a report by news agency Bloomberg on Tuesday (January 31), government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that starting February 1, universal healthcare cardholders were eligible to receive 10 condoms a week for one year. The condoms would be available in four different sizes and can be bought from pharmacies and primary care units of hospitals across Thailand. “The campaign to give out free condoms to gold-card holders will help prevent diseases and promote public health,” Dhnadirek said, adding, the diseases which the government aimed to prevent were syphilis, cervical cancer, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and AIDS. About 50 million Thai citizens were enrolled in the government’s universal healthcare scheme (also known as the gold card), which can be used to receive some medical care in public and selected private hospitals, the Bloomberg report on Tuesday said citing government data. ALSO READ | Valentine's Week 2023: Important Dates, Schedule, Calendar, Full List with all names & significance STDs remain a major public health challenge in Thailand, particularly in the capital city of Bangkok, which is known for its red-light areas. According to official data, Thailand saw a rise in STDs in recent years with syphilis and gonorrhoea making up more than half of the cases in 2021. The age groups most affected were those between 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 years. The data said that in 2021, 24.4 Thai girls in the age group of 15 to 19 gave birth out of every 1,000, compared to the global rate of 42.5 for the same age group that year, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). According to a study published in BMJ Journals in 2019, Bangkok saw an increase in STDs, especially, among young people, with 40% of all STI cases occurring in the 15-24 years age group. The study, which examined trends of STDs in Bangkok from 2013-2017, said the reports of these diseases increased eight folds from 11.8 cases per 100,000 population to 90 cases per 100,000, while the national rate rose four-fold. The study added that syphilis was the most commonly reported disease in the Thai capital in 2017 — two times the national rate and particularly common among men who had sex with other men. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thailand to start distributing 95 million free condoms ahead of Valentine's Day. Here's why

Thailand has been reeling under extreme air pollution leading the government to urge residents to stay safe and indoors. Thai's capital Bangkok has become the sixth most polluted city in the world.

Hazy sky clouds Bangkok as Thai capital chokes on air pollution

Bangkok residents have been asked to work from home and wear face masks owing to the dangerous levels of air pollution in the city. Officials advised commuters to utilise&nbsp;public transportation instead of private vehicles and said that they would work to reduce sources of pollution such as&nbsp;open burning and construction projects. Authorities in Bangkok said that face masks would be distributed to those who were at risk.

The pollution was expected to worsen on Thursday (January 26), according to the governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, but schools did not have to be closed.

“I would like to ask people to be prepared by checking the pollution level before planning a trip. The BMA (Bangkok Metropolitan Administration)&nbsp;and pollution department will control the sources of the dust and ask for cooperation from activities that generate dust such as construction sites or truck transportation,” he said.

Transport limitations would be taken into account if the condition gets worse, he added.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Bangkok residents advised to stay indoor as air quality dips

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In Thailand, especially in the north-west region, agricultural burning and forest fires are major contributors to air pollution between the months of December and April. Bangkok, which already has poor air quality owing to its manufacturing, construction, and traffic, is worsened by the pollution from these human-induced fires.

PM2.5 levels rose to 63.2 g/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) on Thursday&nbsp;(January 26) morning, well exceeding the WHO yearly air quality guideline of 5 g/m3. Thailand's worst-ranked regions were in Samut Songkhram, southwest of Bangkok, and Lampang, north of the capital, according to the Swiss air quality business IQAir.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-is-dangerous-very-dangerous-for-your-brain-can-impair-functional-connectivity-study-556180">Air pollution is very dangerous for your brain, can impair functional connectivity: Study</a>

The health ministry's permanent secretary, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, who spoke to the Guardian, stated that the situation would be monitored by all provincial public health services, and that emergency centres would be opened in any provinces that had experienced high levels of pollution for more than three days in a row.

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Bangkok residents have been asked to work from home and wear face masks owing to the dangerous levels of air pollution in the city. Officials advised commuters to utilise public transportation instead of private vehicles and said that they would work to reduce sources of pollution such as open burning and construction projects.

Bangkok residents have been asked to work from home and wear face masks owing to the dangerous levels of air pollution in the city. Officials advised commuters to utilise public transportation instead of private vehicles and said that they would work to reduce sources of pollution such as open burning and construction projects. Authorities in Bangkok said that face masks would be distributed to those who were at risk. The pollution was expected to worsen on Thursday (January 26), according to the governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, but schools did not have to be closed. “I would like to ask people to be prepared by checking the pollution level before planning a trip. The BMA (Bangkok Metropolitan Administration) and pollution department will control the sources of the dust and ask for cooperation from activities that generate dust such as construction sites or truck transportation,” he said. Transport limitations would be taken into account if the condition gets worse, he added. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: Bangkok residents advised to stay indoor as air quality dips In Thailand, especially in the north-west region, agricultural burning and forest fires are major contributors to air pollution between the months of December and April. Bangkok, which already has poor air quality owing to its manufacturing, construction, and traffic, is worsened by the pollution from these human-induced fires. PM2.5 levels rose to 63.2 g/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) on Thursday (January 26) morning, well exceeding the WHO yearly air quality guideline of 5 g/m3. Thailand's worst-ranked regions were in Samut Songkhram, southwest of Bangkok, and Lampang, north of the capital, according to the Swiss air quality business IQAir. Also read | Air pollution is very dangerous for your brain, can impair functional connectivity: Study The health ministry's permanent secretary, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, who spoke to the Guardian, stated that the situation would be monitored by all provincial public health services, and that emergency centres would be opened in any provinces that had experienced high levels of pollution for more than three days in a row. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bangkok: Authorities urge residents to work from home as air pollution worsens

A court in Thailand has sentenced a 27-year-old Thai activist, Mongkhon Thirakot, to 28 years in prison for insulting the monarchy in an online post. Two young women were also charged with the same law, continued their hunger strike after being hospitalised.

Thai activist Mongkhon Thirakot sentenced to 28 years in prison for online posts about monarchy

Thai authorities urged Bangkok residents to work from home and wear respirator masks outdoors as air pollution level worsens. Watch this report to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Bangkok residents advised to stay indoor as air quality dips

11 people including two children have been killed in a passenger van crash in Thailand. The incident took place over the Lunar New Year holiday weekend. Devon was carrying a total of 12 people from a Northeastern Province to Bangkok when it reportedly veered off a highway.

Thailand: 11 people, including two children died in a van crash

Thailand has succumbed to Beijing's bullying and opened up its border to unvaccinated Chinese tourists. What does this mean for you? Is Thailand no longer a safe destination for you? Will travelling to this country mean risking infection? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Thailand succumbs to China's bullying, opens border for unvaccinated Chinese

The first direct flight from China since the pandemic shut borders arrived in Thailand on Monday (January 9), a day after Beijing dropped COVID border controls that had largely prevented its 1.4 billion residents from travelling for three years.

Watch: 269 Chinese tourists land in Thailand after Beijing drops border curbs

Thailand has decided to reintroduce COVID-19 entry norms for foreigners visiting the southeast Asian country in the wake of the explosion of cases in China.

Country’s transport minister Saksayam Chidchob in a statement said that the restrictions would start from Monday, during which&nbsp;people would be asked to proof of at least two vaccinations, or recovery from the virus since July.

Those who have not taken any vaccines would need a medical report justifying their lack of inoculations, a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand posted on the site said. The rules apply until Jan. 31.

Moreover, visitors from countries that require Covid tests for arrivals from Thailand must have health insurance during their stay, the ministry said.

Since easing border controls and quarantine requirements last year, tourism in Thailand has grown modestly, at least enough to pull tourism operators back from the brink of ruin.

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In 2022, achieved a target of 10 million foreign arrivals last year in a major boost to its vital tourism sector.

In the first quarter of this year, around 300,000 Chinese visitors are expected to land in Thailand, Bloomberg reported quoting estimates.

The aviation ministry further said that under the reimposed rules, visitors would be screened by the airlines upon entering Thailand, while people suspected of displaying Covid symptoms will be advised to get tested on arrival, with the exemption to passengers transiting to other destinations.

Before the pandemic, the tourism sector accounted for nearly 20 per cent of national income, but restrictions took a toll on hotels, restaurants and tour operators across the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thailand has decided to reintroduce COVID-19 entry norms for foreigners visiting the southeast Asian country in the wake of the explosion of cases in China. Country’s transport minister Saksayam Chidchob in a statement said that the restrictions would start from Monday, during which people would be asked to proof of at least two vaccinations, or recovery from the virus since July.

Thailand has decided to reintroduce COVID-19 entry norms for foreigners visiting the southeast Asian country in the wake of the explosion of cases in China. Country’s transport minister Saksayam Chidchob in a statement said that the restrictions would start from Monday, during which people would be asked to proof of at least two vaccinations, or recovery from the virus since July. Those who have not taken any vaccines would need a medical report justifying their lack of inoculations, a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand posted on the site said. The rules apply until Jan. 31. Moreover, visitors from countries that require Covid tests for arrivals from Thailand must have health insurance during their stay, the ministry said. Since easing border controls and quarantine requirements last year, tourism in Thailand has grown modestly, at least enough to pull tourism operators back from the brink of ruin. × In 2022, achieved a target of 10 million foreign arrivals last year in a major boost to its vital tourism sector. In the first quarter of this year, around 300,000 Chinese visitors are expected to land in Thailand, Bloomberg reported quoting estimates. The aviation ministry further said that under the reimposed rules, visitors would be screened by the airlines upon entering Thailand, while people suspected of displaying Covid symptoms will be advised to get tested on arrival, with the exemption to passengers transiting to other destinations. Before the pandemic, the tourism sector accounted for nearly 20 per cent of national income, but restrictions took a toll on hotels, restaurants and tour operators across the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thailand reimposes Covid entry rules in wake of China outbreak

The death toll from the fire at the Grand Diamond City hotel-casino in Poipet, Cambodia climbed to 26 on Friday evening as rescuers finished searching the charred ruins of the complex.

The death toll from the fire at the Grand Diamond City hotel-casino in Poipet, Cambodia climbed to 26 on Friday evening as rescuers finished searching the charred ruins of the complex. The casino is located on the border of Thailand. Sek Sokhom, director of the Banteay Meanchey provincial information department told news agency AFP, "The death toll is 26, including 21 Thai nationals.'' Sokhom said the search was called off because the rescuers reached all parts "that we thought might have victims." The fire broke out at the Grand Diamond City hotel-casino late Wednesday, according to the Cambodian Police. A video shared by the news agency AFP showed the complex engulfed in flames as firefighters arrived to douse the fire. ALSO WATCH | Firefighters arrive at the scene of Cambodia hotel-casino deadly fire × Some other photographs and videos showed people huddling on windowsills and some desperately jumping from the roof to escape the flames. More than 400 employees and patrons were inside the casino complex when the fire broke out. Several people have been injured with most of them taken to Thailand for treatment. Local officials on the Thai side of the border said over 50 people had been hospitalised with 13 in critical condition. The fire was extinguished on Thursday afternoon and around 100 Thai rescue personnel swarmed the casino complex throughout the day to search for survivors or bodies. By night, the rescuers were forced to call off their efforts with an official from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation telling the news agency that conditions were too dangerous to continue. The rescue operations resumed Friday morning and got over in the evening. Teams of the Cambodian army and police and volunteers from Thailand were part of the search operations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cambodia casino fire: Death toll rises to 26; rescue operation called off

Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced his intention of&nbsp;returning for another term in the general elections which will be held in May next year, local media reports said on Friday.&nbsp;The newly-created United Thai Nation Party "has offered to support me in becoming the next PM candidate in the next election," he told reporters outside Government House in Bangkok.

"I will make it clear today... that I have decided that I will join the role."

Prayut has been in the center of controversy in the past few years due to corruption charges and he has been the target of multiple trust votes in the parliament. The former army chief came into power in 2014 following a coup but since then, his popularity has taken a massive hit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-crisis-in-china-nearly-37-million-people-may-have-been-infected-on-single-day-546078">Covid crisis in China: Nearly 37mn people may have been infected on single day</a>

The biggest development this year in Thai politics was the exit of Prayut from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) – the biggest party in the ruling coalition. The PPRP has named acting deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan as the new leader and he will be their PM candidate in the upcoming elections.

Both Prayut and Prawit were part of the Thai military and although they will be competing against each other, both have maintained that the split has not caused harm to their personal relationship.

While the opposition party Pheu Thai has gained quite a bit of popularity in the past few months, it seems unlikely that they will pose a challenge considering the nature of the Thai constitution.

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Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced his intention of returning for another term in the general elections which will be held in May next year, local media reports said on Friday.

Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha announced his intention of returning for another term in the general elections which will be held in May next year, local media reports said on Friday. The newly-created United Thai Nation Party "has offered to support me in becoming the next PM candidate in the next election," he told reporters outside Government House in Bangkok. "I will make it clear today... that I have decided that I will join the role." Prayut has been in the center of controversy in the past few years due to corruption charges and he has been the target of multiple trust votes in the parliament. The former army chief came into power in 2014 following a coup but since then, his popularity has taken a massive hit. Also read | Covid crisis in China: Nearly 37mn people may have been infected on single day The biggest development this year in Thai politics was the exit of Prayut from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) – the biggest party in the ruling coalition. The PPRP has named acting deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan as the new leader and he will be their PM candidate in the upcoming elections. Both Prayut and Prawit were part of the Thai military and although they will be competing against each other, both have maintained that the split has not caused harm to their personal relationship. While the opposition party Pheu Thai has gained quite a bit of popularity in the past few months, it seems unlikely that they will pose a challenge considering the nature of the Thai constitution.

Thai PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha declares candidacy in next year's general election

The bodies of six crew members of a Thai warship that sank off the nation's southeast coast have been recovered, the Navy said on Tuesday. Military personnel searching the Gulf of Thailand's seas discovered the dead sailors and one survivor. The search is still ongoing for 23 missing sailors. The navy reports that a total of 76 crew members have been saved. With 105 crew members on board, the HTMS Sukhothai sank on Sunday night after losing power during a storm.&nbsp;

The Thai navy and air force have been scouring a 50 sq km (30 sq mi) area of ocean for survivors over the last two days with the help of hundreds of officers on four naval ships, many helicopters, and unmanned drones.

"The most recent discovery, who was still alive, was made 41 hours after the ship sank. We will keep looking because we think there are people still alive out there "the navy's chief of staff, Admiral Chonlathis Navanugraha, said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-population-in-china-may-be-infected-by-covid-in-the-next-three-months-top-epidemiologist-544810">&nbsp;Over 60% population in China may be infected by Covid in the next three months: Top epidemiologist</a>

Given the length of time they had been in the water, a navy officer had earlier stated search personnel had just a two-day opportunity to discover anyone alive.

Numerous seamen have already been discovered, some of them weary and asleep. Not every missing person is wearing a life jacket.

"We found this guy holding a life buoy... he was floating in the water for 10 hours," Captain Krapich Korawee-Paparwit of the HTMS Kraburi told Reuters.

He added that the man, still conscious, had a minor head wound and "sore eyes as he was exposed to sea water."

Other sailors who leapt from the sinking ship were discovered on a life raft. The military posted images and video of survivors being transported to hospitals while they are wrapped in blankets on Twitter.

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Whales help store planet-heating carbon emissions

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On Tuesday, Navy authorities lowered their original estimate of the ship's population from 106 to 105.

The 76-meter-long corvette HTMS Sukhothai was on day two of a regular patrol when it was sunk. The navy said that after flooding its hull, water then entered the electrical room and shut off the power.

Pictures from of the dramatic incident were released on the navy's Twitter account. The ship was seen listing to its starboard side before it submerged on Sunday at approximately 23:30 local time (16:30 GMT).

Other navy ships were informed right away and dispatched to help, but only the HTMS Kraburi frigate managed to get to the boat in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, some 32 kilometres (20 miles) east of Bang Saphan, before it sunk.

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The bodies of six crew members of a Thai warship that sank off the nation's southeast coast have been recovered, the Navy said on Tuesday. Military personnel searching the Gulf of Thailand's seas discovered the dead sailors and one survivor.

The bodies of six crew members of a Thai warship that sank off the nation's southeast coast have been recovered, the Navy said on Tuesday. Military personnel searching the Gulf of Thailand's seas discovered the dead sailors and one survivor. The search is still ongoing for 23 missing sailors. The navy reports that a total of 76 crew members have been saved. With 105 crew members on board, the HTMS Sukhothai sank on Sunday night after losing power during a storm. The Thai navy and air force have been scouring a 50 sq km (30 sq mi) area of ocean for survivors over the last two days with the help of hundreds of officers on four naval ships, many helicopters, and unmanned drones. "The most recent discovery, who was still alive, was made 41 hours after the ship sank. We will keep looking because we think there are people still alive out there "the navy's chief of staff, Admiral Chonlathis Navanugraha, said. Also read | Over 60% population in China may be infected by Covid in the next three months: Top epidemiologist Given the length of time they had been in the water, a navy officer had earlier stated search personnel had just a two-day opportunity to discover anyone alive. Numerous seamen have already been discovered, some of them weary and asleep. Not every missing person is wearing a life jacket. "We found this guy holding a life buoy... he was floating in the water for 10 hours," Captain Krapich Korawee-Paparwit of the HTMS Kraburi told Reuters. He added that the man, still conscious, had a minor head wound and "sore eyes as he was exposed to sea water." Other sailors who leapt from the sinking ship were discovered on a life raft. The military posted images and video of survivors being transported to hospitals while they are wrapped in blankets on Twitter. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: Whales help store planet-heating carbon emissions On Tuesday, Navy authorities lowered their original estimate of the ship's population from 106 to 105. The 76-meter-long corvette HTMS Sukhothai was on day two of a regular patrol when it was sunk. The navy said that after flooding its hull, water then entered the electrical room and shut off the power. Pictures from of the dramatic incident were released on the navy's Twitter account. The ship was seen listing to its starboard side before it submerged on Sunday at approximately 23:30 local time (16:30 GMT). Other navy ships were informed right away and dispatched to help, but only the HTMS Kraburi frigate managed to get to the boat in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, some 32 kilometres (20 miles) east of Bang Saphan, before it sunk. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thai navy shipwreck: Bodies of six sailors discovered by rescuers

Thailand's navy deployed warships and helicopters on Monday to try to locate 33 marines missing after a corvette sank overnight in choppy waters in the Gulf of Thailand.

Thailand navy hunts for 33 missing marines after warship sinks

The Thailand princess Bajrakitiyabha recently suffered a heart attack while she was out walking her dog, the palace&nbsp;confirmed. She was then immediately taken to the Pak Chong Nana hospital near Bangkok and the official posted on social media that she is "ill and lost consciousness". The King of Thailand reportedly flies to Bangkok on his helicopter to meet his daughter.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Princess&nbsp;Bajrakitiyabha?</h2>

Bajrakitiyabha is King Vajiralongkorn's eldest daughter by his first wife, Princess Soamsawali. She was born in Thailand in 1978. Bajrakitiyabha is the next in line to the Thai throne in the Chakri Dynasty's House of Mahidol.

<h2>Princess Bajrakitiyabha is well-versed in the law and international relations</h2>

The Thailand princess began her education in Thailand, but for her secondary education, she moved to England, where she completed her education. The princess went to law school after graduating from high school. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. She attended the prestigious Cornell University for her legal education and LL.M. degree. She also possessed an LL.D. 
&nbsp;

<h2>The many feats of Princess&nbsp;Bajrakitiyabha</h2>

Bajrakitiyabha was appointed as an attorney in the Attorney General's Office in Bangkok and later for the Udon Thani Province. According to reports, she served as Thailand's permanent representative to the United Nations in 2012. Bajrakitiyabha was also appointed Thai ambassador to Austria in 2014. She was recently appointed Chief of Staff and promoted to the rank of general for the Royal Security Command in 2021.

<h2>The other interests of&nbsp;Princess&nbsp;Bajrakitiyabha</h2>

Princess Bajrakitiyabha is interested in social welfare and is involved in a project that provides counselling and child care to imprisoned women. She also oversees a project that promotes the humane treatment of prisoners, particularly women.

<h2>What do the reports say about Princess' illness?</h2>

Reports say&nbsp;that the CPR failed to resuscitate her when the princess collapsed while out running her dogs.&nbsp;Journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall tweeted saying, “She’s dead, and has been dead since yesterday although doctors didn’t dare confirm it until they tried everything, and palace has not yet been honest. I understand why Thai-based media can’t tell the whole story but why are you reporting things that are clearly untrue?”

Though nothing is confirmed as of yet as there is no official statement released from the palace.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Thailand princess Bajrakitiyabha recently suffered a heart attack while she was out walking her dog, the palace confirmed. She was then immediately taken to the Pak Chong Nana hospital near Bangkok and the official posted on social media that she is "ill and lost consciousness".

The Thailand princess Bajrakitiyabha recently suffered a heart attack while she was out walking her dog, the palace confirmed. She was then immediately taken to the Pak Chong Nana hospital near Bangkok and the official posted on social media that she is "ill and lost consciousness". The King of Thailand reportedly flies to Bangkok on his helicopter to meet his daughter. Who is Princess Bajrakitiyabha? Bajrakitiyabha is King Vajiralongkorn's eldest daughter by his first wife, Princess Soamsawali. She was born in Thailand in 1978. Bajrakitiyabha is the next in line to the Thai throne in the Chakri Dynasty's House of Mahidol. Princess Bajrakitiyabha is well-versed in the law and international relations The Thailand princess began her education in Thailand, but for her secondary education, she moved to England, where she completed her education. The princess went to law school after graduating from high school. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. She attended the prestigious Cornell University for her legal education and LL.M. degree. She also possessed an LL.D. The many feats of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Bajrakitiyabha was appointed as an attorney in the Attorney General's Office in Bangkok and later for the Udon Thani Province. According to reports, she served as Thailand's permanent representative to the United Nations in 2012. Bajrakitiyabha was also appointed Thai ambassador to Austria in 2014. She was recently appointed Chief of Staff and promoted to the rank of general for the Royal Security Command in 2021. The other interests of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Princess Bajrakitiyabha is interested in social welfare and is involved in a project that provides counselling and child care to imprisoned women. She also oversees a project that promotes the humane treatment of prisoners, particularly women. What do the reports say about Princess' illness? Reports say that the CPR failed to resuscitate her when the princess collapsed while out running her dogs. Journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall tweeted saying, “She’s dead, and has been dead since yesterday although doctors didn’t dare confirm it until they tried everything, and palace has not yet been honest. I understand why Thai-based media can’t tell the whole story but why are you reporting things that are clearly untrue?” Though nothing is confirmed as of yet as there is no official statement released from the palace.

Who is Princess Bajrakitiyabha? A law graduate, ambassador and the next-in-line for Thai throne

Thailand has achieved the target of welcoming 10 million foreign visitors this year as the tourism dependent economy recovers from the pandemic on Saturday.

Thailand: Kingdom hits 10 million visitors in 2022 as tourism recovers

Three people died and four others were injured after a bomb exploded by the side of a road in Thailand's troubled deep south, according to police.

Three dead, four injured after bomb explodes in Thailand's south

A car bomb explosion near a school and close to the police station claimed one life and left at least 30 people injured in southern Thailand on Tuesday.

According to reports, the blast occurred opposite Narasikkhalai School, Muang District, Narathiwat Province just before 6 am GMT.

A video shared on social media purportedly showed smoke billowing out of the compound as fire tenders try to douse the flames. WION could not independently verify the authenticity of these clips.

The deceased has been identified as a police officer, while the injured include civilians and police personnel, who are at the hospital getting treatment, Pornprasit Jantra, director of the Narathiwat Rajanagarindra hospital, said, reports Reuters news agency.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Narathiwat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Narathiwat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thailand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thailand</a>🇹🇭- At least one person killed and several injured after car bomb explosion causing fire at a police station dormitory flat on Suriya Pradit Rd in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MueangNarathiwat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MueangNarathiwat</a>, with perpetrators reportedly in pick-up truck and disguised in police uniforms (📹ThaiPBS) <a href="https://t.co/ekJqlf9Rfx">pic.twitter.com/ekJqlf9Rfx</a>
— CyclistAnons🚲 (@CyclistAnons) <a href="https://twitter.com/CyclistAnons/status/1594959937519616000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Lieutenant Colonel&nbsp;Niti Suksan, the deputy police commissioner of Narathiwat province, said that the casualties might increase.

“It was a car bomb. We are still clearing the area and the number of injured could increase,” he said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

The Southern Thailand region, which borders Malaysia, has been a victim of low-level insurgency for decades. The Thai government has been battling extremist groups who have been seeking independence for the predominantly Muslim provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla.

This is not the first attack on the establishment that has occurred, In August, explosions rocked 17 locations in southern Thailand, in what appeared to be multiple coordinated attacks that injured seven people.

Since 2004, more than 7,300 people have been killed in the conflict, according to the Deep South Watch group, which monitors the violence.

Peace talks that began in 2013 have faced repeated disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A car bomb explosion near a school and close to the police station claimed one life and left at least 30 people injured in southern Thailand on Tuesday. According to reports, the blast occurred opposite Narasikkhalai School, Muang District, Narathiwat Province just before 6 am GMT.

A car bomb explosion near a school and close to the police station claimed one life and left at least 30 people injured in southern Thailand on Tuesday. According to reports, the blast occurred opposite Narasikkhalai School, Muang District, Narathiwat Province just before 6 am GMT. A video shared on social media purportedly showed smoke billowing out of the compound as fire tenders try to douse the flames. WION could not independently verify the authenticity of these clips. The deceased has been identified as a police officer, while the injured include civilians and police personnel, who are at the hospital getting treatment, Pornprasit Jantra, director of the Narathiwat Rajanagarindra hospital, said, reports Reuters news agency. #Narathiwat #Thailand🇹🇭- At least one person killed and several injured after car bomb explosion causing fire at a police station dormitory flat on Suriya Pradit Rd in #MueangNarathiwat, with perpetrators reportedly in pick-up truck and disguised in police uniforms (📹ThaiPBS) pic.twitter.com/ekJqlf9Rfx — CyclistAnons🚲 (@CyclistAnons) November 22, 2022 × Lieutenant Colonel Niti Suksan, the deputy police commissioner of Narathiwat province, said that the casualties might increase. “It was a car bomb. We are still clearing the area and the number of injured could increase,” he said. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The Southern Thailand region, which borders Malaysia, has been a victim of low-level insurgency for decades. The Thai government has been battling extremist groups who have been seeking independence for the predominantly Muslim provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla. This is not the first attack on the establishment that has occurred, In August, explosions rocked 17 locations in southern Thailand, in what appeared to be multiple coordinated attacks that injured seven people. Since 2004, more than 7,300 people have been killed in the conflict, according to the Deep South Watch group, which monitors the violence. Peace talks that began in 2013 have faced repeated disruptions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Car bomb explosion at Thai police compound leaves at least one dead, 30 injured

An explosion at a police compound has killed one police officer and left at least people 30 injured. Police say the number of people injured may rise.

Thailand: Explosion at a police compound kills one and leaves 30 injured

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