Thailand’s cannabis industry is poised for a revival under new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a political figure who spearheaded the country’s decriminalization of marijuana, Bloomberg reported.
Since Anutin first decriminalized cannabis in 2022 while serving as health minister, Thailand has become the first Asian nation to legalize recreational use. However, the sector has faced turbulence from successive governments, with policy reversals and threats to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic creating uncertainty for dispensaries, growers, and investors.
With Anutin and his Bhumjaithai Party now leading a minority government, the industry sees a reduction in regulatory threats. “The idea of reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic is unlikely to happen once Bhumjaithai leads the government,” said Prasitchai Nunual, secretary-general of advocacy group Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future, speaking to Bloomberg. He noted that officials have become friendlier and more supportive since Anutin’s election.
During previous administrations, including under the Pheu Thai Party and former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, authorities stepped up inspections, shut hundreds of shops, suspended licenses, and tightened rules to restrict recreational use. Reports of increased illegal exports to countries including the U.K., India, and Hong Kong also prompted intensified surveillance.
Industry stakeholders now expect enforcement to ease, even if comprehensive legislation remains unlikely in the short term. “There may now be less intensity in shutting down shops or putting on acts for political gains,” said Rattapon Sanrak, owner of Bangkok’s Highland Cafe dispensary.
Anutin, dubbed the “cannabis king” and “cannabis champion” by local and international media, has pledged to maintain decriminalization while tightening regulations to curb recreational use. Though his government may be temporary—with new elections scheduled within four months—advocates hope it can lay the groundwork for passing a dedicated cannabis law after the next election.
