Alcohol is banned in parks. It will use the Alcohol Control Act to enforce the ban.

"We will set good examples for other parks to follow," a Bangkok Deputy Governor, Bannasophit Mekwichai, says. Anyone selling or drinking alcohol in public parks will face up to six months in jail and/or a maximum fine of Bt10,000.

Illegal to castrate

The Public Health Ministry says castration of young boys is now illegal.

State and private hospitals and clinics caught carrying out the operation will be shut and could have their licenses taken away.

The ministry is considering if the operation performed on a minor is a criminal offence, even where parental consent is given. The ministry suspects the practise is causing serious injury.

Dried out

Demand for water on farms in and around Bangkok is running at about 800 per cent more than what can be supplied.

Farmers have been asked not to plant out-of-season crops, thanks to the shortage.

A Bangkok Deputy Governor, Wallop Suwandee, says Min Buri, Klong Sam Wa, Nong Chok and Lat Krabang farmers have been asked to stop work.

Daily Xpress