A startling medical case originating from Taiwan has brought to light the distressing ordeal of a 50-year-old restaurant proprietor whose nasal issues unraveled a disturbing revelation. Disclosed on the medical talk show “Doctor Is So Hot” by the director of an ear, nose, and throat clinic in Taiwan, this incident was hailed as one of the most unforgettable encounters in his two-decade-long career.

Hailing from Taichung, the patient, beset by a perception of excessive nasal sensitivity, sought an unconventional appointment, intrigued by the peculiarity of his condition. During the examination, Dr. Wu Zhaoguan, along with two other physicians and nursing staff, were immediately struck by an offensive odor emanating from the patient, initially attributing it to the clinic’s sanitation. However, the source of the malodor was none other than the patient himself, oblivious to its presence.

Upon removing his double-layered mask for a nasal evaluation, a pregnant nurse was compelled to exit the room to contend with nausea induced by the overpowering smell. The patient, convinced of his unusually acute sense of smell, which he took pride in, was confronted with a stark reality far removed from his assumptions.

An inspection of the patient’s nasal passages revealed a buildup of pus and mucus in both nostrils, with the left exhibiting a large black scab intermingled with blood due to severe inflammation. Dr. Wu was alerted by the remarkably clean nasal hairs, prompting further inquiry into the patient’s hygiene practices, which left him astounded.

The patient’s habit of trimming his nasal hair with scissors, also employed for callus removal and fungal infection treatment on his feet, emerged as a significant factor. Years of wearing sandals for work had resulted in calloused heels and foot fungus, which he tended to with the same scissors sans proper sterilization, merely resorting to wiping them with toilet paper.

This practice introduced fungal spores into his nasal passages, culminating in the formation of a fungal ball within his nose. The ensuing sinus infection, compounded by bacterial presence and skin damage from scissor use, emitted an odor akin to that of a deceased rodent.

Unaware of the origin of the stench for six months, the patient attributed it erroneously to poor hygiene among his restaurant staff until a perceptive employee suggested seeking medical attention for his heightened nasal sensitivity.

“If you can’t smell the fragrance, don’t come into the garden of love.” – Rumi

Upon enlightenment from medical professionals, the patient was overwhelmed with remorse for unjustly accusing his staff and promptly adhered to the prescribed treatment regimen, encompassing antibiotics, surgical excision of the fungal mass, and meticulous sinus irrigation.

Subsequently, his condition exhibited marked improvement approximately one month later.

This case underscores the perilous repercussions of lax hygiene practices and underscores the imperative of seeking medical guidance when confronted with unusual health manifestations.

A pivotal seminar held in Bangkok brought together administrators from 437 educational institutions to confront the escalating concerns surrounding e-cigarettes. Orchestrated by Dr. Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, the event commenced promptly at 9 am, aiming to shed light on the pervasive dangers of e-cigarettes within Thailand’s societal landscape, particularly their accessibility to the younger generation.

Dr. Puangpetch delivered a resolute message, emphasizing the imperative need for a collective effort across all sectors of society to combat this burgeoning threat.

This call to action stemmed from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive to relevant agencies to proactively address the e-cigarette epidemic, prompted by a surge in complaints filed with the Thai Office of the Consumer Protection Board by concerned guardians, citing illegal sales of e-cigarettes within academic institutions and community areas.

Responding to these alarming reports, a formidable alliance emerged between the Bangkok government, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Royal Thai Police.

Their collaborative efforts bore fruit with the successful shutdown of over 1,700 illicit e-cigarette platforms across the web and various social media channels.

During his address at the seminar, Dr. Puangpetch impassioned a plea to all guardians and school administrators to vigilantly monitor their children and students. He underscored the detrimental health effects of e-cigarettes, warning against their potential harm to bodily health and brain development.

Dr. Puangpetch also implored schools to integrate educational initiatives to raise awareness about the hazards of e-cigarettes, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in combatting their usage.

Concluding his speech, Dr. Puangpetch provided guidelines on reporting illegal e-cigarette sales, encouraging the use of the dedicated hotline number 1166 or the Traffy Fondue application. Alternatively, individuals could utilize any government hotlines available.

His words served as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility in safeguarding the future of Thailand’s youth against the scourge of e-cigarettes.

Since Thailand decriminalized marijuana in 2022, the landscape of cannabis access has transformed remarkably. Gone are the days of clandestine transactions in dim back alleys; instead, brick-and-mortar dispensaries now offer a vibrant and accessible avenue for purchasing flowers, edibles, and pot paraphernalia.

With an abundance of dispensaries scattered across the country, selecting the right one can pose a challenge. Hence, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top 10 cannabis dispensaries in Thailand:

Thai Cannabis Club

Locations: Bangkok, Pattaya, and Koh Chang
Operating Hours: Varies by location; Sukhumvit Soi 7 branch open 24 hours
Highlights: With an expansive network of 15 locations and more in development, Thai Cannabis Club stands as one of the largest cannabis companies in Thailand. Offering a seamless blend of comfort and simplicity, their stores prioritize product quality and expertise. Each dispensary boasts an extensive selection of 30 to 40 strains sourced from local Thai farmers, ensuring top-notch flavors and experiences.

Phuket Cannabis

Location: Patong, Phuket
Operating Hours: Daily, 08:00 to 02:00
Highlights: Ideal for beginners, Phuket Cannabis provides a welcoming environment staffed by passionate experts dedicated to curating the perfect cannabis experience. Boasting over 100 carefully selected strains, patrons have ample opportunities to explore and discover their favorites in a trendy cafe-like ambiance.

Cannabis Kingdom Bangkok

Location: Silom, Bangkok
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 23:00; Saturday to Sunday, 09:00 to 23:00
Highlights: Combining the allure of a cafe with the convenience of a dispensary, Cannabis Kingdom Bangkok offers a serene smoking garden near BTS Sala Daeng. Their bright and airy space showcases an impressive array of organically grown medical cannabis, each rigorously tested for purity and quality. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide patrons through their selection.

Cosmic Temple Vibes

Location: Rawai, Phuket
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 to 22:00
Highlights: Starting as an online venture and blossoming into a physical store, Cosmic Temple Vibes prioritizes the healing and inspiring potential of cannabis. Their commitment to top-quality buds with rich terpenes has led to a diverse selection of strains. Additionally, Everyday Specials offer patrons affordable access to their premium offerings.

DANQ

Locations: Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket
Operating Hours: Varies by location; Sukhumvit branch open daily, 10:00 to 02:00
Highlights: Advocating for the safe and beneficial use of cannabis, DANQ boasts several stores across key locations in Thailand. Offering a diverse range of high-quality products, each store features vibrant atmospheres and carefully curated displays to enhance the shopping experience.

Stone Age

Locations: Charoen Nakhon and Ratchaphruek, Bangkok
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Highlights: Serving as a vibrant community hub, Stone Age emphasizes quality, education, and sharing the positive vibes of cannabis culture. Their team scours Thailand for the finest strains, ensuring patrons receive the best of the best along with fascinating backstories and insights.

Haze Buds

Location: Rajdamnern Road, Chiang Mai
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to 21:00; Friday to Saturday, 10:00 to 22:00; Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00
Highlights: Acting as a bridge between seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers, Haze Buds in Chiang Mai’s Old Town offers high-quality, tested products in a cozy environment. Online ordering with prompt delivery further enhances convenience for patrons.

Cloud Nine

Locations: Asoke and Surawong, Bangkok
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 to 02:00
Highlights: With a futuristic aesthetic featuring cool blue hues, Cloud Nine offers a curated selection of premium products catering to both recreational users and medical patients. Their professional team includes Budtenders and TTM Doctors dedicated to guiding patrons through their selection.

Mary Jane Cannabis

Locations: Nana, Ekkamai, and Patpong, Bangkok
Operating Hours: Varies by location
Highlights: Known for their bright green lights and friendly atmosphere, Mary Jane Cannabis provides a diverse selection of strains and THC-infused gummies alongside smoking accessories. Each location boasts TTM products and medical professionals for personalized treatment recommendations.

Siam Green

Locations: Bangkok and Koh Samui
Operating Hours: Varies by location; Phrom Phong branch open daily, 11:00 to 03:00
Highlights: Offering a cozy and welcoming experience, Siam Green features private lounges for patrons to relax. Their meticulous product organization ensures an easy exploration of high-quality flowers, edibles, CBD items, and paraphernalia, with an expert team dedicated to staying updated on the latest trends and extraction methods.
These dispensaries not only offer a relaxed atmosphere but also prioritize service and quality, promising an enjoyable and informed experience for patrons seeking high-quality cannabis products in Thailand.