Thailand Weekly Vol. 58
Thailand News and Stories Delivered Free to Your Inbox Every Sunday 🇹ðŸ‡
Good afternoon everyone! I know, I know… this week’s edition is coming out on a Monday, but the past few days have been an absolute whirlwind… Early Saturday morning (4 AM), my girlfriend and I hopped in a rental car so she could head back to her hometown of Petchabun and cast her vote in what turned out to be a record-setting election. It was also the first time I met her parents, so yeah, there’s that 😉. We had an awesome weekend in Central Thailand and then headed back to Bangkok LATE last night where I got a few hours of sleep and then had to jump on a plane where I am now writing the final words to this week’s edition from a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s the first time I’ve left Thailand in almost two years and man… am I ever a fish out of water. I’ll share my thoughts on Vietnam next week. With all that out of the way, I hope you enjoy Volume 58!
Record Voter Turnout As Younger Generation Decides Their Future
Thai opposition parties triumphed in Sunday's nationwide election, delivering a powerful blow to the military-backed establishment that has ruled since the 2014 coup. At the time of writing this, the progressive Move Forward party is projected to win 151 seats, with the populist Pheu Thai in second place with 141 seats. With record-high voter turnout (especially from young people), the opposition parties will move forward to form a new coalition government under the junta-era constitution. Move Forward's leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, expressed readiness to lead and emphasized plans to amend strict lese majeste laws and support for those facing charges. The election outcome represents a major shift in the direction of the country, introducing a new level of opportunity and optimism in Thai politics.
Our Take
Man, what an interesting weekend to have been in Thailand. I was explaining to my buddies today that I’ve never seen so many young people so passionate about voting. I had friends drive HUNDREDS of KM’s back to their hometowns because they were so keen on getting their vote in and deciding the future of their country. It was really cool to witness and I can say that I got a LOT of messages today on the heels of the election results from optimistic Thai friends. Really cool. I’ll be curious to see what changes come.
Mandatory Military Service Up in The Air
As the election results are now in, there are calls to end compulsory military service with ‘The Move Forward Party’ and the ‘Pheu Thai Party’ looking to terminate it in favour of voluntary enlistment as part of one their suite of election promises. Public opinion towards military conscription has become increasingly negative, although there are many that argue that it presents benefits, including instilling self-discipline, personal responsibility, and character development. They propose a hybrid system combining conscription and voluntary service that offers people the opportunity to work in military hospitals or military enterprises. The army has previously conducted a study into voluntary military systems but has not completely considered transitioning from conscription to a voluntary system, as some voluntary candidates might fail to meet the necessary criteria.
Our Take
This one is interesting, and to be totally honest, something that I’m not so well-versed in. Back in Canada, there’s no version where young adults are required to register for military service (whether it be a year, two years, enlisting in certain programs, etc.). It just doesn’t exist. Looking back on it though, there probably are benefits to mandatory service as far as teaching work ethic, discipline, and characters goes. It’s probably something that would have been good for an 18-year old Adam. I am happy I didn't need to do it though, so I guess that’s my verdict on it if you read between the lines 😉. I’ll be very interested to see how this plays out and what direction the newly elected government decides to take.
Thailand Travel Tip - Burgers, Burgers, Burgers
I’m gonna keep this week’s Thailand Travel Tip section short and sweet… if you happen to be a burger fan, the next time you’re in Bangkok, you NEED to check out Burger Box at ‘Seenspace’ in Thonglor. I’ll leave a Google Map link here for ya, but the backstory is this… one of our members turned buddy… (shout out Joe) was looking to bring a simple, yet delicious burger restaurant to the city. This is a guy that loves Thailand as much as any of us and was looking to start a business over here, so kept it simple and went full-steam ahead. Respect on that alone, but what him and his team have created is an AMAZING addition to Bangkok and a place that I’ll enjoy and support any day of the week. If you’re looking for some tasty business the next time you’re in that part of the city, do yourself a favour and pay them a visit. I promise you won’t regret it!
Major Changes Expected To Come To Thailand’s Cannabis Industry
The days of easily purchasing marijuana on the streets of Bangkok or Phuket may be coming to an end. With the now shifting political landscape in full effect, the newly formed coalition government is expected to restrict its use solely to medical purposes. This change in stance means that the current convenience of buying cannabis could soon become a thing of the past. The legalization of cannabis created a legal vacuum, allowing a new industry to emerge without proper regulations in place. Thousands of dispensaries sprung up across the country, catering to the demand. However, as lawmakers struggled to pass comprehensive legislation to regulate cannabis, dissatisfaction grew. Some argued that the existing laws didn't go far enough to control recreational use.
This impending shift in cannabis policy is causing uncertainty among those involved in the supply chain. From the more than a million farmers cultivating the plant to the numerous dispensaries spread throughout the provinces, everyone is anxiously awaiting what the newly elected government decides to do.
Our Take
I actually think things have gotten a bit out of hand in Thailand as far as the cannabis space goes and feel that a bit of regulation would be a good thing. It will drive legitimate tax-dollar revenue, result in a cleaner end product, and develop into what hopefully becomes a legitimate, diverse industry. Disorganized chaos probably isn’t the best way to operate (especially when it comes to cannabis), so some tightening down is something I can get behind. If it plays out where it’s for medicinal use only, operators that have been doing things by the book thus far (even if they didn't need to due to the wildness of it all) will be rewarded with less competition and clearer rules.
Only In Thailand 🇹ðŸ‡
Python pandemonium struck Thailand's Emerald Pool in Krabi province this past week! Tourists scattered, screams filled the air, and one brave swimmer fought back with splashes. The snake made a splash too, slithering into the water, sending everyone running. Pythons may not be venomous, but their bites pack a punch. No peaceful swimming with a lurking python in the water! Rangers came in and saved the day, capturing and releasing the snake deep in the jungle. Only in Thailand!