Behind the backdrop of a sluggish economy, Thailand is entering a new phase of political uncertainty that threatens to drive the government into turmoil and plunge the ailing economy into deeper trouble.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin played down the gathering of cannabis advocacy groups outside Government House who are opposed to the relisting of the plant and vowed to stay put until a law to control its use was enacted.
An amnesty for people charged and prosecuted in political cases is long overdue and a fresh bid to push for one this time round is unlikely to trigger political turmoil like the previous attempt in 2013, according to political analysts.