Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, June 6th to the 12th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Thai Cabinet approves same-sex marriage draft bill
The same-sex marriage or the “Civil Partnership” draft bill was reintroduced after being revised by the Ministry of Justice and several representatives from LGBTQ+ and religious groups. The draft is granting same-sex couples to register as legal “life partners” with similar legal cohabitation relationship commitment as heterosexual couples. However, the majority of the LGBTQ+ supporters disapproved of the draft and instead support the reintroduction of the “Marriage Equality Bill”, which was drafted by the Move Forward Party and already rejected, as it allows same-sex individuals to register their marriage and become “married couples”. Despite all of the complications, the bill has not been introduced or mentioned in the parliament for its first reading as it was planned last week.
2. Cannabis and hemp plantations legalization in Thailand officially starts on Thursday
One of the core policies for Thai’s campaign policy (led by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul) has finally come true. The parts of cannabis and hemp that contained less than 0.2% of THC were officially delisted from the Narcotics Act and put into effect on Thursday. The government also boosted the policy by giving away free plants and organizing a cannabis expo to provide a mutual understanding of the benefits and development of the plant into products. More than 100,000 names were registered to apply for the domestic plantation since the first day of the legalization.
3. Thailand’s “Progressive Liquor Act” passes its first reading in parliament on Wednesday
Another progressive movement in Thailand this week. In short, the bill (if passed) would no longer limit liquor production to big companies and provide the opportunity for local breweries to enter the market. The producers can legally produce beverages for domestic consumption without asking for legal licenses or going through complicated procedures. The Act was passed by a little vote in favor – 178 while 137 against, and 15 abstained. The government will set up a special committee to study and consider the draft bill before being voted on the second reading in the next agenda.
Thailand’s “Progressive Liquor Act” passes its first reading in parliament on Wednesday
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
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