Thailand's Cabinet Reshuffle Fuels Possibility for Marijuana Reform

[snoop1130]

 

A cabinet shake-up by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin may lead to significant amendments to the cannabis bill. This comes after former Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin replaced Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.

 

Cholnan has been a key figure in debates on cannabis legislation. He had faced much criticism over the plant's legalisation in 2022 by Anutin Charnvirakul, the former Health Minister who now serves as the Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

 

Since the approval of legalisation, Thailand’s cannabis laws have remained unclear, causing a two-year struggle between supporters and critics. While some argue for better regulation, others want to return to criminal penalties for marijuana use.

 

An unregulated cannabis industry worth billions of Baht has also rapidly developed across the country, with many marijuana shops and dispensaries appearing.

 

Somsak, the incoming Health Minister, was Justice Minister when cannabis was decriminalised in 2022. He supported the move as it had disproportionately filled prisons with non-violent drug users. He also recently expressed his support for advancing the cannabis draft bill, which is officially for medical reasons. However, the bill has faced opposition from groups calling for major changes.

 

Specifically, critics argue that a proposed rule requiring foreigners to have a medical certificate to use cannabis could be exploited by corrupt officials. They also note that it does not adequately distinguish between medical and recreational use.

 

Adding to the controversy, Prime Minister Srettha suggested re-criminalising cannabis usage, claiming it has caused significant societal issues, particularly among young people. However, he did not provide specific evidence to back up his claims.

 

In response, Anutin defended marijuana use for its medical benefits, standing against the proposed ban. Meanwhile, Cholnan, the ex-Health Minister, struggled to find a middle ground, acknowledging that public opinion does not support a cannabis ban.

 

The debate has been further complicated by the opposition from Prime Minister Srettha and his Pheu Thai Party, and the influence of Thaksin Shinawatra, an influential figure within the party who is against cannabis use.

 

As the new Health Minister, Somsak now steps into this complex situation. While some suggest that the ongoing cannabis dispute led to the cabinet changes, the stand Somsak will take remains uncertain. However, he has called for better regulation of cannabis, recognising the industry's potential.

 

The state of the cannabis draft bill remains uncertain. With the bill due for parliamentary debate in the coming months, supporters and critics are closely observing developments. Amidst this, Anutin, a staunch defender of decriminalisation, is likely to stand against any move to re-criminalise cannabis, potentially causing tension within the government.

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

-- 2024-04-29

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[Goat]

They carry on as if Thailand had no marijuana use before they decriminalised it.

It has always been easy to get here. 

The variety has improved though.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

An unregulated cannabis industry worth billions of Baht has also rapidly developed across the country, with many marijuana shops and dispensaries appearing.

Anutins undercover vote buying scheme.

[Thingamabob]

Personally I would be for most issues that Thaksin is against. Many innocent people were shot dead during his previous 'campaign' against alleged drug dealers.  

[CharlieH]

Flame post and response removed

[Sydebolle]

Good luck with that idea ..... me thinks, that Thailand's Cabinet Reshuffle should fuel the possibility of Government Reform ..... 

[koolbreez]

The major objections, and wanting decriminalization, is the beer industry, that is seeing a big drop in beer sales. That is the opposition.

[BritScot]

3 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Personally I would be for most issues that Thaksin is against. Many innocent people were shot dead during his previous 'campaign' against alleged drug dealers.  

I understand your stance being a person who doesn't like Thaksin, however, he was a dually elected PM by the people as was his sister and would be again if a vote is clean as would his sister. As for charges made against them by unelected thugs with guns who stole the country, they don't stand. Never forget who gave the order to shoot unarmed protesters in a temple grounds then proceeded to bully and threaten the very brave nurse.

[khunPer]

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The debate has been further complicated by the opposition from Prime Minister Srettha and his Pheu Thai Party, and the influence of Thaksin Shinawatra, an influential figure within the party who is against cannabis use.

Seems like "against cannabis use" then will be the favourite...

[Pouatchee]

6 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Personally I would be for most issues that Thaksin is against. Many innocent people were shot dead during his previous 'campaign' against alleged drug dealers.  

 

taxsin was a cop before, and i am sure he would love to get the pigs back on his side by making it illegal again. thus helping his friends in making it easier for them to pocket corrupt money by catching tokers. just look at which hospital he stayed at when his life hung by a thread

[sabaiguy]

Is it just me or have there been more and more articles recently of deranged  " cannabis addicts" murdering their families and others.  Maybe the media is complicit in this.  What happened to yaba?    It's going to be hard to put the toothpaste back in the tube.  Lot of money involved but maybe not going into the right pockets.