Temporary injunction halts listing of 13 herbs as hazardous

Udon Thani-based independent academic Somkid Homnet said the court at 4pm issued an injunction temporarily stopping the announcement from taking effect.

Somkid had filed a lawsuit with the Central Administrative Court against Industry Minister Charnchai Chairungrueng for endorsing the announcement, saying it violated farmers' rights to use plant-based pesticides made from 13 herbal plants.

The 13 herbs, including chilli, lemon grass, turmeric, ginger and neem, were listed as "hazardous substances type 1" under the Hazardous Substances Act by the ministry, reportedly in a bid to control their commercialisation.