Bhumjaithai (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul recently expressed his concerns directly to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin regarding the Ministry of Public Health’s controversial plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic. Anutin revealed that he told the Prime Minister that the proposal, slated for further deliberation by the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) on July 23, lacked convincing evidence to justify the re-criminalization of the plant.
“We need more studies on this matter before making such a drastic move,” Anutin emphasized. He seemed genuinely perplexed by the government’s sudden change in stance, pointing out the irony that the same committee pushing for the re-criminalization were the ones advocating for its decriminalization just two years ago.
Addressing the press on Thursday, Anutin urged committee members to remain consistent in their principles and to provide a clear rationale to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin regarding why cannabis should be decriminalized. As the Bhumjaithai leader and also a deputy prime minister, he made it clear that his party’s controlled ministries and organizations are prepared to vote against the proposal when the NCB meetings commence.
In a promising turn, Anutin claimed that Prime Minister Srettha was open to further discussions, showing a willingness to listen to Bhumjaithai’s perspectives and concerns about relisting cannabis.
To diffuse any speculation of internal conflict, Anutin reassured that Bhumjaithai’s opposition should not be seen as a rift with Pheu Thai. Instead, he remains optimistic that their differences can be resolved through continued dialogue and cooperation.
Meanwhile, in a significant show of opposition, the Youth Network Against Cannabis (YNAC) alongside several health advocacy groups, convened at the NCB’s headquarters on Thursday. They presented a petition urging the board to reinstate cannabis as a narcotic, a document co-signed by 200,000 individuals against the plant’s decriminalization. Dr. Smith Srisont, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Mahidol University at Ramathibodi Hospital, who participated in the gathering, cited findings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. He pointed out the association of cannabis use with increased risks of addiction and psychological issues.
On the other hand, activists who oppose the move to relist cannabis as a narcotic are getting ready for their own demonstration. They plan to gather at Government House on Friday to submit their petition and appeal to the government for reconsideration. This group is led by Parnthep Pourpongpan, dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, Prof. Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha, an adviser to the same college, and Rosana Tositrakul, a former senator. Their collective voice underscores the passionate debate surrounding this issue, signaling that the dialogue around cannabis policy in Thailand is far from over.
Anutin is right! We can’t just relist cannabis as a narcotic without thorough studies. The government’s flip-flopping on this issue is ridiculous.
I agree, Joe. Scientific studies should definitely come first before any drastic changes are made.
Studies or not, cannabis has proven medical benefits. Criminalizing it again would be a step backwards.
Exactly, grower134. It’s time for Thailand to progress, not regress.
But what about the youth and the potential for addiction? We can’t overlook the health risks.
Larry D, those risks should be managed through regulations, not outright bans. Education is key.
Totally agree, Linda. Prohibition doesn’t solve anything, it just creates more problems.
Anutin is just trying to protect his political interests. This isn’t about health or science.
That’s a rather cynical view, username123. Political interests aside, the need for thorough research is valid.
Whether it’s narcotic or not, people will use it. Better to have regulated use than illegal black markets.
I’m with YNAC on this. Cannabis should be relisted as a narcotic. The social implications are too severe.
Karen, criminalizing it will only increase the prison population with non-violent offenders. Is that what we want?
Paul, it’s about public safety. We can’t just ignore the risks.
Karen B, the risks can be mitigated with proper regulation and education, rather than criminalization.
Bhumjaithai’s stance is commendable. We need more politicians who value thorough research over knee-jerk reactions.
This entire debate shows how outdated our drug policies are. We need evidence-based approaches.
The government should focus on more pressing issues rather than relisting cannabis. This seems like a distraction.
As someone with chronic pain, cannabis has been a life-saver. Relisting it as a narcotic would take away a crucial medication.
Lily, while your situation is valid, it’s not just about individual needs. Society’s well-being matters too.
David R, individuals ARE part of society. Denying medication to those who need it isn’t in anyone’s best interest.
Thank you, grower134. It’s frustrating when people don’t realize the personal impact of these policies.
Anutin should focus more on medical research and push for cannabis to be used medicinally before anything else.
The inconsistency of the government’s stance is alarming. How do we trust a system that changes its mind every couple of years?
It’s a shame more people can’t see the benefits of cannabis. Ignorance is the real issue here.
Absolutely, Tommy. Education is needed to break the stigma.
Tommy and grower134, let’s not ignore the dangers. It’s not just about stigma, it’s about safety.
Karen B, safety is important, but not at the cost of progress and personal freedoms.
At the end of the day, more research will only benefit both sides of the argument. The government should invest in this.
Well said, Joe. Research is the way forward!
Absolutely, Joe. An informed decision is always the best approach.
Joe, while I agree, we also need immediate actions to protect public health.
I think both sides need to have a respectful dialogue. Name-calling and extreme positions won’t help anyone.
I am skeptical about Anutin’s motives. Politicians have a history of using such issues for political gain.
The youth voices at YNAC should not be ignored. They represent a concerned and significant portion of the population.
Agree, Jack. But youth can also be misinformed. It’s a complex issue requiring expert input.
Why not have a referendum on cannabis policy? Let the people decide!
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