AFTER a photo of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, his daughter and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra singing a song together with Interior Minister-cum-Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul at Khao Yao circulated today (July 21), government whip Visuth Chainaroon denied this is an attempt to patch up differences over as relisting marijuana as a narcotic by the end of this year, Naewna newspaper said.
The decriminalisation of marijuana was the brainchild of Anutin with the liberal marijuana policy becoming effective on June 9, 2022 when he was public health minister during the previous government headed by Prayut Chan-o-cha who is currently de facto Ruam Thai Sang Chart boss and privy councillor.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has said that he wants the Public Health Ministry to amend the rules and re-list cannabis as a narcotic in a stunning U-turn just two years after Thailand became one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalise its recreational use.
A network opposing the Pheu Thai-led government’s move to relist marijuana as a narcotic by yearend held a demonstration in front of the Government House earlier this month and submitted a proposal that a joint study be conducted on this step.
After the liberal marijuana policy became effective, possessing and using all parts of cannabis plants, including flowers and seeds, are now allowed. However, extracted content remains illegal if it contains more than 0.2% of the psychoactive ingredient that produces a “high” — tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
The cannabis policy led to thousands of weed shops opening across the country.
However Visuth said the get-together by Thaksin, Paetongtarn and Anutin at Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club in Khao Yai today was a normal and good thing to have occurred despite hearsay a conflict is rocking the coalition government over relisting marijuana as a narcotic.
He added that the marijuana policy, which is under the supervision of the Public Health Ministry, has not reached the House of Representatives for deliberation so there is nothing to worry about with the coalition government still strongly united.
“Guaranteed, the relationship is 1,000% strong, there is nothing to it, it’s normal for adults to talk, all (coalition parties) can work together normally and there are no problems,” he said.
CAPTION:
De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, his daughter/Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister-cum-Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul singing a song together at Khao Yai today, July 21, 2024. Photo: TV Channel 7 shared on X
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