Bangkok, June 24, 2025 – Thailand’s Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsutin, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic, signaling a shift in the country’s cannabis policy. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Somsak said that the move is driven by public health concerns, particularly the need to protect youth, and dismissed allegations that the crackdown is politically motivated.
The decision to possibly return cannabis to the narcotics list comes three years after Thailand made global headlines by decriminalizing the substance in June 2022, sparking a booming industry with over 20,000 cannabis dispensaries nationwide. However, the lack of regulations has led to widespread recreational use, prompting criticism from health experts and policymakers. Somsak cited rising health issues among young people and easy access to cannabis as key reasons for the policy reversal.
“To reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, we need to draft additional ministerial regulations to manage licensing processes,” Somsak stated. He outlined plans for two key legal measures: an announcement designating cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic under Thailand’s Narcotics Code, with exemptions for certain parts of the plant like leaves, stems, and seeds, and a new ministerial regulation to govern permits for cultivation, possession, import, export, and medical use. These measures aim to balance medical and economic benefits while curbing recreational use.
However, the minister tempered expectations about the timeline for a comprehensive Cannabis Control Act, calling its passage within the current government’s term “a dream.” The proposed legislation, which would establish stricter controls on cannabis use, production, and distribution, has faced delays in parliament. In 2022, a draft bill outlined licensing fees ranging from 2,000 to 100,000 baht for activities like cultivation, production, and export, but progress stalled amid debates over enforcement and penalties.
Somsak’s remarks follow a high-profile operation on June 22, where he led raids on 20 cannabis shops in Bangkok, uncovering illegal processed products and ordering temporary closures. The minister denied claims that the crackdown targeted political rivals, particularly the Bhumjaithai Party, which championed cannabis decriminalization and recently withdrew from the ruling coalition.
“This is about protecting public health, not political games,” he insisted, addressing speculation of tensions within the government.
The reclassification process is expected to take several months, with Somsak indicating a transition period to allow businesses and individuals to adapt. He stressed that medical cannabis use would remain permitted under strict oversight, potentially requiring a doctor’s certificate. The government also plans to intensify efforts to curb illegal exports, as demonstrated by a recent seizure of 73.5 kilograms of cannabis at Don Mueang Airport.
Critics, including pro-cannabis activists and business owners, argue that reclassification could stifle an industry that has generated significant economic growth in the billions of Baht. They say it could close tens of thousands of shops, unemployment issues, and move cannabis underground where it is even less regulated. They plan significant opposition and protests. Meanwhile, health advocates and youth groups have welcomed the move, citing concerns over unregulated access and long-term health risks.
As Thailand navigates this possible policy U-turn, the debate over cannabis remains deeply divisive, with the government facing the challenge of balancing public health, economic interests, and political pressures. The outcome of these regulatory efforts will likely shape the future of cannabis in the kingdom for years to come.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
