Government House, 'Phumtham' denies joining the clearing of the air with 'Anutin-Somsak', views the Prime Minister's order to bring cannabis back to being a drug, not a political matter, waiting for all parties to discuss a solution, and jokes with the media that they are tricking him into talking about politics. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Vejjayachai spoke about the case of Prime Minister Settha Thavisin summoning Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin before the cabinet meeting yesterday (July 23) to discuss the issue of bringing cannabis back to being a narcotic. He said that he saw in the news that it was a three-person discussion, which is currently in the process. There are currently several draft laws in the parliament, so it must be made clear that the principles of the cannabis law will be adhered to and how to reach an understanding regarding differences of opinion. However, he did not participate in the discussion between the three people. When asked if the change would affect the stance of the coalition parties, Mr. Phumtham confirmed that it would not. At present, various sectors are discussing it. We have to wait and see what the conclusion will be. This matter was not discussed in the cabinet meeting. When asked if the Prime Minister previously stated that bringing cannabis back to being a narcotic was a matter for the people, but whether the return of the law to control it would be seen as a political matter, Mr. Phumtham thought that it was not a political matter. As for what the Prime Minister said, he did not know what details were being implemented at this time, so he should not speculate. He asked that all relevant parties discuss it first because at this time, discussions are still underway to find the best solution by listening to the opinions of the people because all parties have reasons. As for whether it will be proposed as a government draft or an MP bill, Mr. Phumtham said he did not know. We have to wait and see which drafts come in. But as far as he knew, there were several drafts pending in the parliament. As for whether this matter would need to be brought to the ONCB meeting, Mr. Phumtham said he did not know and would have to ask the relevant people. Everything had to wait and be cleared up according to the process. There were many possibilities, but it had to be done as quickly as possible. We had to look at opinions and many related factors. Mr. Phumtham refused to answer questions about whether the fact that the upper house was monopolized by the blue-line senators would affect the work of the coalition parties. He joked, 'Actually, from today onwards we don't talk about politics, but today you dragged me into this discussion because it's the King's birthday. That's all. I already forgot. You dragged me in,' before waving his hand and jokingly saying, 'They said that this week we can't talk about politics.' Source: Thai News Agency
