In a dramatic shift that’s making waves across Thailand, the Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, announced a drastic reevaluation of the nation’s cannabis policy. With shops popping up faster than street food vendors and an ever-growing culture of cannabis integrated into daily Thai life, Somsak’s decision is stirring the proverbial pot. Having rubber-stamped a new set of rules today, on June 24, 2025, he’s effectively bringing an end to the free-for-all era of recreational cannabis. However, as the aroma of freshly rolled joints lingers in the air, critics argue that his war on weed is more likely to go up in smoke than catch fire.
Under these new regulations, cannabis use is to be strictly medical. Access to this now elusive green cure-all will require not one, but two magical scrolls: a prescription and a medical certificate. This spellbinding decree comes despite the mushrooming of around 20,000 cannabis shops since the plant’s liberation in 2022—a movement initially met with nationwide enthusiasm and a projected market value of up to 40 billion baht a year. But as Somsak sees it, cannabis is to once again grace the controlled substances list due to a chain of complaints rooted in yesteryears, supposedly heralded by former PM Srettha Thavisin.
This twist in the plot is not without its skeptics, as eyebrows raise towards the health chief’s rationale. Traders and economists alike are bewildered, questioning the practicality of reining in such a flourishing economic beast. With job opportunities, tourist attractions, and a handsome sum in tax revenue at stake, many herald the move as a pipe dream. Rolling back cannabis liberalization could plant the seeds for chaos, legal turmoil, and uproar from small business owners who’ve planted their hopes—and a fair chunk of their finances—in this green gold rush.
In a realm where cafes lounge as comfortably alongside clinics as a sweet Thai coconut shake, the logistics of enforcing these draconian measures teeter on the brink of fantasy. As envisioned, cannabis vendors would need a doctor in residence or undergo monthly inspections, with two infractions stripping them of their rights to sell. Channel 7 News speculates a fresh draft of ministerial regulation is on the horizon to set this into motion.
Somsak was quick to brush off murmurings of a political vendetta against the Bhumjaithai Party, once a fervent advocate for cannabis reform until their recent departure from governing confines. He fervently insisted this was “not a political game” but a long-overdue response to “a chronic problem,” placing former administrations under the spotlight for muddying legal lines with their optimistic declarations.
The naysayers predict trouble ahead, particularly in tourist-heavy areas where blazing joints blend seamlessly into the vibrant landscape. For a land that’s embraced the green rush so heartily, dreaming of an effective Cannabis Control Act feels akin to chasing shadows. Even Somsak concedes, tempering naïve hopes with the wistful admission: “It’s a dream” to believe it will curtail commerce in due time.
For now, the intoxicating hum of Thailand’s green economy continues its unwavering march. Any significant crackdown risks leaving the authorities in a haze—dazed, bewildered, and dangerously light in the treasury. Until the smoke clears, the nation watches, waits, and, quietly, maybe even hopes for a bit more leniency. In an ever-changing landscape, only time will tell whether Somsak’s grand plan will thrive or dwindle away like a puff in the wind.
I think Somsak is making a huge mistake here. The cannabis industry has been a boon to Thailand’s economy, creating jobs and attracting tourists. Why mess with a good thing?
I get what you’re saying but think about the potential public health issues. Maybe Somsak is trying to prevent problems down the road.
Public health is important, sure, but this is like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly. There are more balanced ways to approach this.
Let’s be real here. If people want to smoke, they’ll find a way. Prohibition never works.
This sucks! What’s next? Banning street food because it’s unhealthy?? Seems like the government just can’t stand seeing us enjoy anything.
The comparison to street food is a bit exaggerated, don’t you think? Controlled substances require different considerations.
Maybe, but it all feels like overreach to me. Grown-ups should be able to make their own choices!
This is a catastrophe for small business owners who invested in cannabis. Somsak is ignoring the economic impact entirely.
It does look like small businesses are going to suffer. Did he even consider their plight at all?
It sure doesn’t seem like it. I guess we’ll see how this all pans out.
Putting cannabis back on the controlled substances list is going to create more problems than it solves.
Exactly! The underground market will flourish again. Has no one learned from history?
Why not keep things as they are and enforce stricter health regulations and education rather than strict prohibitions?
I agree with Ravi. Education is key here, not restricting access altogether.
Is this going to kill the vibe for tourists? Many people travel to experience Thailand’s new cannabis culture.
Definitely could make Thailand less attractive for some tourists, but maybe it attracts a different crowd.
Was this expected after the change in political leadership? Seems like a tactical move to please certain parties.
Politics always plays a part in decisions like this. Probably more about power dynamics than public safety.
This just seems like a step backwards for progress and economic prospects.
Agreed! The world is moving forward while Somsak is taking Thailand back.
What does this mean for the cannabis market investors who were promised growth and sustainability?
Looks bleak. Markt volatility is unpredictable with such policy swings.
Even if the intent is good, cracking down on cannabis like this feels outdated and draconian.
The government has to balance health concerns with economic growth. Easier said than done.
Other countries are looking at Thailand as a potential model, and actions like this might ruin that reputation.
If this goes through, all it’ll do is push people back to illegal sources. Waste of time!
Isn’t the point of legalization that it’s controlled and safe? This just takes us away from that.
At this point, we might as well ban sunshine and smiles. Somsak’s ruining a good thing with these regs.