23-7-2024 (BANGKOK) Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Tuesday that the kingdom will pursue legislation to regulate marijuana for medical purposes. This revelation marks a significant departure from recent plans to re-criminalise the plant and underscores the government’s fluctuating stance on cannabis policy.
Thailand made headlines in 2022 when it became one of the first Asian nations to decriminalise marijuana. However, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework led to an unforeseen explosion in recreational use, with thousands of cannabis cafes and retailers sprouting up across the country. This rapid proliferation sparked public concern about potential misuse and abuse.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin, whose Bhumjaithai Party championed the initial liberalisation of marijuana, disclosed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has now endorsed the move towards legislative action. “I express my gratitude to the Prime Minister for his consideration and decision to proceed with an act,” Anutin stated.
The government has consistently maintained that recreational cannabis use remains prohibited. Prime Minister Srettha, who hails from a different political party, had previously advocated for re-criminalising marijuana due to concerns over its misuse, with exceptions for medical applications and research.
Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the Prime Minister, elucidated further: “This will be a matter of law and subject to parliamentary debate, where a draft already exists.” He added that the ultimate classification of marijuana, whether as a narcotic or otherwise, would be determined by parliament.
A previous draft law on marijuana was submitted to the legislature under the former administration. However, parliament was dissolved ahead of last year’s election before a vote could take place.
The latest development leaves uncertainty regarding potential crackdowns on recreational cannabis use, a measure Prime Minister Srettha has supported. Thailand has witnessed rapid growth in its domestic retail sector for marijuana, with industry projections estimating its worth at up to US$1.2 billion by 2025.
Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest in the ruling coalition, has consistently advocated for marijuana use in health and economic contexts, while officially opposing recreational use. The party has also argued against re-criminalisation.
Nattabhorn Buamahakul, managing partner at government affairs consultancy Vero Advocacy, offered insight into the political dynamics at play: “This policy shift reflects greater alignment between coalition parties compared to when the government was initially formed last year.”
