Thailand’s Public Health Minister Phatthana Phromphat told the Senate on Monday, that the government has no policy to legalise recreational cannabis, warning that anyone caught illegally selling cannabis or allowing others to smoke it can be arrested immediately. He said the government is accelerating a new cannabis and hemp bill to tighten controls on cultivation sites, farms, prescriptions and sales.
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Speaking during a Senate session at Parliament on 11 May 2026, chaired by Senate President Mongkol Surasajja, Senator Parinya Wongcherdkwan questioned the impact of Thailand’s cannabis policy and measures to prevent social harm. Phatthana responded that the Ministry of Public Health had already issued updated ministerial regulations covering research, exports, sales and commercial processing of controlled herbs under the 2026 regulations.
The minister said there are currently 12,000 licensed cannabis shops still operating in Thailand. He added that between 2026 and 2028 many shop licences will expire, with 5,000 to 6,000 shops due to lose licences in 2026, 4,000 to 5,000 in 2027, and around 1,000 in 2028.
Phatthana said that within two to three years cannabis outlets would need to transition into medical facilities only. He stated that such facilities must have medical professionals, covering six recognised disciplines present at all times.
He also confirmed that the draft Cannabis and Hemp Bill is currently in the public consultation stage, which ends on 21 May 2026. The government intends to fast-track the legislation through Parliament so it can take effect as quickly as possible to regulate cultivation areas and cannabis farms, which currently are not subject to registration requirements.
According to the minister, cultivation for personal use is not illegal, but selling cannabis requires certification, quality standards and approval from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. He stressed that selling or distributing cannabis for others to smoke without approval is prohibited.
Phatthana added that medical facilities prescribing cannabis have been instructed to submit documentation electronically rather than on paper to prevent forgery. Authorities will also monitor whether doctors or shops are repeatedly supplying cannabis to the same individuals without legitimate medical treatment.
The minister said the government supports the development of cannabis extracts for economic purposes, including cosmetics and food supplements, provided they comply with Food and Drug Administration regulations. He noted that such products use extracts rather than cannabis flower buds.
Khaosod reported that when asked whether authorities could immediately prosecute unlicensed cannabis activities, including sales in entertainment venues, Phatthana replied: “They can arrest them immediately. Growing for personal use is not an offence, but selling requires certification. Selling or giving cannabis to others to smoke is not allowed.”
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 12 May 2026
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