In a significant public announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul voiced his stance on the ongoing cannabis debate in Thailand, declaring he supports regulated use. This followed an interview with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on France 24, in which the leader suggested the reclassification of marijuana as an illicit substance due to its deemed harmful effects on Thai society.

 

The 62 year old Thai prime minister argued that the negative impacts outweighed the potential economic benefits.

 

Anutin, formerly the Minister of Public Health, expressed his agreement with the government’s existing policy which allowed the use of cannabis in medical, economic, and research fields. This policy had been presented to the Thai Parliament in the past, with Anutin stating, “It was as if it had already been explained to all Thai people.”

 

Despite this, there were members within the Thai government who were advocating for marijuana to be reverted to an illegal status. This would introduce criminal penalties for possession of even small quantities of the substance and would limit its use strictly to medical purposes only.

 

Anutin noted that this would necessitate modifying the regulations set forth by the Thai Ministry of Public Health and other relevant agencies. These guidelines currently outline the legitimate usage of cannabis. Furthermore, those who had invested in cannabis businesses in good faith, following the existing regulations, would need to be adequately compensated if this change were to take place.

 

To enact this policy change, Anutin suggested that it would involve the amendment of a series of laws and regulations. However, he favoured continued regulation of cannabis, as opposed to completely recriminalising it.

 

The 57 year old Thai politician strongly asserted that if used in the right manner, cannabis and hemp could significantly boost the local economy by generating substantial income. He highlighted that many countries with advanced medical technologies also recognize the medicinal benefits of marijuana, rather than viewing it solely as a recreational substance.

 

Reflecting on the future of cannabis policy in Thailand, Anutin’s comments encapsulated the complex debate surrounding the plant. As the country considers the possible legal and social implications of such a policy change, it is clear that the issue of cannabis remains a contentious topic, rife with differing perspectives and interests.

 

By Top

Caption: Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-03

 

- Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
 

Chapter 4 - How to ruin a country in 365 days

I am surprised at his comment.

He is standing by what he said years ago when he first proposed the change to decriminalise it ie it is for medical reasons, not for recreational use.

I am amazed that he is still standing by what he said back then.

 

Quote

Thailand just decriminalized cannabis. But you still can’t smoke joints, minister says

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/09/asia/thailand-cannabis-legal-minister-interview-intl-hnk/index.html

 

18 minutes ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Chapter 4 - How to ruin a country in 365 days

Chapter 5: How to get all that lost money back into bent people's pockets.

One calls to ban others call to developp. All depends maybe on which side has invested or interests in the issue ? 😉

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a significant public announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul voiced his stance on the ongoing cannabis debate in Thailand, declaring he supports regulated use.

Says the man who introduced it in an un-regulated fashion.

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Says the man who introduced it in an un-regulated fashion.

 

Most see it as regulated - licenses required to produce and sell, age limited, no public use, several other restrictions. Probably, with regards to youths, at least as well regulated as alcohol and tobacco.

 

Now you may wish it were more regulated - that's a government task, or that regulations were universally enforced - that's a police issue.

 

13 hours ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Chapter 4 - How to ruin a country in 365 days

 

Sorry, what is this book? One of the shortest ever written?

 

What are the titles of Chapters 1, 2 & 3?

 

Can we get a book report from you?

 

 

 

 

More U-turns than the Mittraphap highway   

14 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Chapter 5: How to get all that lost money back into bent people's pockets.

That's a guarantee regardless, same with the entire 10,000 give-a-way. It is long known that all money printed gy governments ends up with the select few rich in no time. The only benefit for all the other people is the moment they get it, right after that, everything becomes more expensive as a consequence (inflation).

 

A cigar from ones own box. Deal with the devil, it's like agreeing to get permanently 3% less wage (consumption power) for a 1 time double wage (cash). Worst of all is they not even let you invest it or buy gold from it, no you need to spend it where they like you to do so.

Edited April 4, 20242 yr by ChaiyaTH

Anutin is a complete imbecile, I actually thought his support for legalization was a good thing a few years back, but the reality is that billions have been invested and now they want to change the ground rules. It's completely ridiculous, walking this back is not the answer. I wish it was his money that was on the line. 

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The 57 year old Thai politician strongly asserted that if used in the right manner, cannabis and hemp could significantly boost the local economy by generating substantial income

for me

 

this guy only one thing on his mind - his own pocket

Edited April 4, 20242 yr by smedly

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Says the man who introduced it in an un-regulated fashion.

The shops I have been in recorded everything, as far as I could see.  Grams, type, price.  Some just took quick pics of the transaction to enter into books later.  They were all licensed  and followed the rules.  (corruption probably same level as any other business here)  🙂 

Let them collect 10% VAT and everybody could be happy. 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

Most see it as regulated - licenses required to produce and sell, age limited, no public use, several other restrictions. Probably, with regards to youths, at least as well regulated as alcohol and tobacco.

So who do the shops and online sellers sell to?

20 minutes ago, marcusb said:

The shops I have been in recorded everything, as far as I could see.  Grams, type, price.  Some just took quick pics of the transaction to enter into books later.  They were all licensed  and followed the rules.  (corruption probably same level as any other business here)  🙂 

Let them collect 10% VAT and everybody could be happy. 

 

 

 

Medicinal use only, no public use... so the shops sell to who without a prescription?

20 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Medicinal use only, no public use... so the shops sell to who without a prescription?

Did I say they recorded names?    No, I did not.     

Currently shops sell recreational and medicinal freely,  no need for a doctors note.   Also people that do get prescriptions in the future will still be part of the public, so there will always public use.