ฺBANGKOK, June 25 (TNA) – Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has enacted new regulations for cannabis, curbing its previously unregulated widespread use and emphasizing medical purposes.
Effective June 23, the order designates cannabis flower as a controlled herb, mandating licenses for research, export, sale, or processing. All sales must originate from certified cultivation sources.
The announcement prohibits sales at general business establishments (allowing only by licensed medical practitioners), bans commercial sales via vending machines or online platforms, prohibits all advertising, and forbids sales in various public locations including temples, dormitories, parks, zoos, and amusement parks.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated cannabis is “definitely returning to the narcotics list”eventually, citing ongoing issues. He stressed the current measures align with the Prime Minister’s directive for strictly medical use, requiring prescriptions. New ministerial regulations will be drafted for issuing or renewing operator licenses, which will mandate an on-site physician at establishments.
Somsak dismissed the Bhumjaithai Party’s push for a Cannabis Act this term as a “dream,” blaming previous legislative failures for the unregulated market. He denied political motives, calling it a long-standing issue.
Cannabis policy was a flagship initiative of Bhumjaithai Party, a former key ruling coalition partner.
Bhumjaithai announced its withdrawal from the government, citing concerns over national sovereignty stemming from a leaked phone conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian premier Hun Sen.
Now in opposition, the party, holding 69 seats, will file a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister and cabinet in early July, increasing pressure on the administration. -819 (TNA)
