Thailand Cracks Down on Fake Cannabis Prescriptions

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has launched a strict crackdown on the use of forged cannabis prescription forms after uncovering evidence of identity fraud and the online sale of fake documents used to obtain cannabis for recreational purposes.

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On 27 June 2026, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, working with police and security agencies, announced it would pursue criminal action against individuals, cannabis retailers, healthcare facilities and medical professionals involved in forging medical certificates and controlled herbal medicine prescription forms, known as Form P.T.33 (PorThor 33 / ปท.33)

The investigation found that fake P.T.33 forms were being used to sell cannabis flowers to members of the public without medical examinations or professional consultations. Officials also discovered cases where healthcare practitioners had allegedly signed blank prescription forms, allowing retailers to add details later and use them as false evidence when submitting mandatory cannabis usage reports under Form P.T.28.

Dr Thewan Thanirat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the ministry had instructed enforcement officers to file criminal complaints against those responsible. Cannabis retailers producing fraudulent P.T.33 forms for commercial sales could face prosecution for document forgery, while healthcare professionals found to have participated could face disciplinary action for professional misconduct.

Authorities said offenders would face prosecution under the Criminal Code, while professional licences could be suspended or revoked. Cases involving healthcare practitioners will also be referred to the relevant professional councils to consider disciplinary penalties, including suspension or permanent revocation of licences.

Dr Peeracha Kookasemkit, Director of the Medical Cannabis Division, said the department is strengthening oversight by introducing digital verification and electronic databases to monitor controlled cannabis prescriptions more closely. The upgraded system will allow officials to verify document reference numbers instantly and trace prescriptions back to the issuing doctor and healthcare facility.

The digital system is designed to detect irregularities such as duplicate document numbers, invalid reference codes and doctor names that do not match official records. Officials believe the enhanced checks will make it more difficult to produce or use fraudulent prescriptions.

Khaosod reported that Dr Peeracha stressed that controlled cannabis must only be used under proper medical supervision for genuine treatment purposes. He urged members of the public and business operators who encounter fake medical certificates or improperly issued P.T.33 forms to report them through the Traffy Fondue application or by calling the department’s hotline on 02-257-7042, so authorities can bring offenders before the courts.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 28 June 2026