Cannabis Shops to Close by April 1, 2025: Thai PM Orders Drug Rescheduling

[James105]

There isn't a lot of forward thinking by this lot is there?  They make a law to legalise this stuff (in policy terms) very recently and now there is a weed shop on every corner.   These are businesses that have signed leases, landlords that have tenants and presumably a market for this stuff.   Now they say they are going to close them all down.  Why anyone chooses to run a business here is a mystery to me as it would feel like the sword of Damocles is constantly dangling over my head waiting for the next shot from the hip policy to come into effect.   

[Cat Boy]

Just empty words, there is far too much money invested and yet to be made from the cannabis trade both domestically and from tourism for any minority-lead, military-ajunct, coalition to pass such a self-destructive prohibition. Chang Mai frequently has the worst air quality in the world, household debt in Thailand has skyrocketed, education and English proficiency are a shambles, and yet, now is time to kill off a cash cow like cannabis? Reminds me of politics as usual in a few other disfunctional failed democracies I can think of, looking at you UK & USA

[Purdey]

It's almost as if someone involved in the black market trade in cannabis has ordered the PM to change the law back. Oh well.

 

I can imagine the economic advisors saying: The economy is terrible, the 10,000 Baht giveaway is going to hit us hard and debt has gone through the roof. What shall we do?

PM: Create more unemployment and more debt! 

[thailandsgreat]

Weed shops close on April 1. 🤣🤣🤣

 

At 4:20 PM according to my intelligence 😂😂😂

 

They must have set that date intentionally.

 

"It's cool stoners. We're just joking. Come and enjoy!"

[Spock]

7 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

 

yet he outmaneuvered move forward. a dangerous man he is -- dont sell him short, yet.

He is dangerous and I would never sell him short - doesn't mean that he isn't a turd of a person and politician.

[Bobthegimp]

11 hours ago, realfunster said:

If they enact this through parliament, I would be expecting class action lawsuits

 

Starting a business involves various types of risk.  In this instance the risk is "regulatory risk", which means that regulations can change in the future and the risk is borne by the entrepreneur or venture, and should have been priced in during inception. 

 

The big players will have seen this as a possibility and priced it in when starting their ventures, and by spreading the risk throughout the chain. I'd be surprised if any have had enough time to integrate horizontally or vertically, so there will be many bag holders and the pain will be spread around.  Another year should be enough to recoup most of their investments, but woe betide the commercial real estate market unless they can find someone else to fill the void.

 

I think most Thais were dead set against marijuana legalization and the prior globalist aligned government rammed it through anyways. 

[kwilco]

54 minutes ago, Adventurer1 said:

. Have you noticed that  internet sites are censored now that never were until recently ? 

more likely is that you have only just noticed how internet sites have ALWAYS been heavily censored in Thailand

[scottiejohn]

44 minutes ago, Cat Boy said:

Just empty words, there is far too much money invested and yet to be made from the cannabis trade both domestically and from tourism for any minority-lead, military-ajunct, coalition to pass such a self-destructive prohibition. Chang Mai frequently has the worst air quality in the world, household debt in Thailand has skyrocketed, education and English proficiency are a shambles, and yet, now is time to kill off a cash cow like cannabis? Reminds me of politics as usual in a few other disfunctional failed democracies I can think of, looking at you UK & USA

Keep taking your so called "medicine" (for as long as it is available) as you obviously need it after that rant!

[TroubleandGrumpy]

You are being given plenty of notice boys - get in now and stock up (quietly). Do not tell anyone you have a stock of supply - especially after it is banned again - and certainly never sell it just because you could make a lot of money (Thai jails aint no fun place). 

[Spock]

5 hours ago, Cabradelmar said:

Too bad, but inevitable. At least until the next government says different. Luckily, everyone in issan grows their own 😜 weed will never be in short supply in THA. The upside is maybe a few less knucklehead tourist (and those will no self control) will decide to come here for the ganja experience.

You obviously were not among the original tourists to come here from the 60's on because Thailand offered something a bit more risque and wild west like than boring old western countries. Console yourself with the fact that you are not alone. There are many super straight westerners who seem to have discovered Thailand once it became even more conservative in its thinking than the western countries supplying the tourists. I seriously do not understand the attraction of Thailand over the home countries of these people. Fortunately I will again be able to spend a slab of time in Thailand before Thaksin and his reactionary comrades turn the place into a boring yawn-fest again.

[transam]

1 hour ago, Adventurer1 said:

. Have you noticed that  internet sites are censored now that never were until recently ? 

No...........🤔

[Dioj]

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai PM Launches National Offensive on Drug Crisis, Ponders Cannabis Reclassification

 

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, led an extensive high-level meeting earlier to address the pressing issue of drug use in the country. An agenda point of major significance was the potential re-evaluation of cannabis as a Class 5 narcotic.

 

The roundtable discussion included key stakeholders, such as Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, newly assigned Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin, and Justice Minister Police Colonel Thawee Sodsong. Together, they engaged in strategic discussions about the country's drug predicament and the necessary-political action.

 

The foremost concern for Srettha is the looming drug issue within Thailand. He emphasised that drugs represent a matter of national importance warranting collective action spanning from grassroot to national governance.

 

While acknowledging the persistent endeavours by Thai law enforcement to resist drug trafficking and illicit substance use, Srettha highlighted the alarming level of drug usage within the nation. He attributed this prevalence to the continued operation of drug kingpins and local traffickers.

 

The leaders also steered discussions towards clarifying legal parameters around drug possession. Factors under consideration included the difference between addicts and dealers caught with illicit substances. Srettha called for a shift in the legal definition of possession from “a small amount” to “one pill of illicit substances”.

 

Drawing attention to the potent risks of drug use, Srettha cautioned that possessing even a single methamphetamine pill could land an individual in court. They risk fines and potential imprisonment unless they can substantiate their addiction status, failing which they could face charges akin to a dealer.

 

The official stressed the role of investigation officers in distinguishing between addicts and drug dealers. He added that joined efforts between the Justice and Public Health Ministries could improve drug treatment efficacy.

 

The option of using military camps for drug addict rehabilitation was deliberated, although budgetary constraints and practicality concerns linger.

 

The collective anti-drug efforts are planned to unfold over the next three months.

 

As a parting note, Prime Minister Srettha proposed classifying cannabis as a Class 5 drug in light of its 2022 decriminalisation. The responsibility of finding legal adjustments permitting cannabis use for therapeutic purposes landed on the newly instated Health Minister Somsak, who vowed to consider both sides of the cannabis debate before reaching a resolution.

 

As per Srettha, the final draft outlining the changes would be prepared by late 2024.

 

This conference is the third instance of Srettha's endeavour to recriminalise non-medical cannabis uses. However, he can anticipate substantial pushback from pro-cannabis activists and businesses within a rapidly expanding industry that generates billions in revenue and supports numerous jobs across Thailand.

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

 

-- 2024-05-09

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A bit more clarity now. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the new Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin were both in on the meeting where Srettha expressed his newly proposed agenda, but nothing mentioned about what the other two ministers had to say at the meeting. This suggests they weren't in agreement. And without their support none of this will likely get very far. 

[Jingthing]

Someone is very angry!

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

Personally I have no interest in the stuff so I don't really care, but I am sure I am not alone in concluding that they are making this up as they go along.

 

Thailand, hub of joined up government!

[Dioj]

39 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Someone is very angry!

 

 

Very well spewed!

[Cabradelmar]

59 minutes ago, Spock said:

You obviously were not among the original tourists to come here from the 60's on because Thailand offered something a bit more risque and wild west like than boring old western countries. Console yourself with the fact that you are not alone. There are many super straight westerners who seem to have discovered Thailand once it became even more conservative in its thinking than the western countries supplying the tourists. I seriously do not understand the attraction of Thailand over the home countries of these people. Fortunately I will again be able to spend a slab of time in Thailand before Thaksin and his reactionary comrades turn the place into a boring yawn-fest again.

You are right about one thing... i'm not that old to have been here in the 60's (even as a fetus, LoL). I used to get my weed in CA... and there is nothing like a little Humboldt, Trinity and Mendocino county "Emerald Triangle" dank to soothe the soul. My older brother on the other hand (was here in the 70s) has stories of Thai stick he likes to regal me with. But seriously, if it was only about the weed, I'd have stayed in CA.

[Arthur Mullard]

14 hours ago, webfact said:

 

In a pivotal meeting attended by the Prime Minister and three senior ministers, PM Srettha Thavisin announced that cannabis shops in Thailand are to be shut down by April 1, 2025.

 

He has called for the reclassification of cannabis as a scheduled narcotic substance by the end of 2024. This comes as part of a larger strategy to clamp down on drug usage in Thailand.

 

The Prime Minister has advocated for stricter police action and treatment measures for drug addicts.

 

Thavisin earlier expressed strong opposition to cannabis liberalisation in an interview with France 24. His remarks alarmed then Minister of Public Health Cholnan Srikaew, who questioned whether the PM’s views were in line with government policy. This disagreement may have led to Cholnan's subsequent removal from the cabinet. 

 

The planned reclassification of marijuana will likely unsettle the burgeoning cannabis industry, as it effectively nullifies the 2022 statute proposed by former Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

 

The law had exempted police from criminal proceedings related to marijuana. Thavisin’s proposed changes would permit action against individuals selling and using cannabis. 

 

In a recent development, newly appointed Minister of Public Health Somsak suggested public consultation on the matter, while a bill is being drafted to regulate marijuana use as a non-scheduled substance.

 

However, any confusion or ambiguity in drug regulation is exactly what Srettha wants to avoid. He sees the cannabis trade as a threat to the country and argues that it brings more economic negatives than positives.

 

TOP File photo for reference only courtesy of Wikipedia

 

-- 2024-05-09

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Well the Chinese don't like it... esp the types who school their kids here.  

[metisdead]

Inflammatory troll posts and the replies have been removed.

[sambum]

6 hours ago, Dogmatix said:

 

Anutin has backpedaled on cannabis.  His promise to make farmers rich from it turned out to be BS which made voter support for cannabis dwindle.  He kept pretending that he only intended to legalize medical marijuana, even though that was obviously not what he wrote in his ministerial regulation. Of course he and his cronies with big plantations wanted to keep it legal but he has been bought off. He got the interior ministry with his own swat team to shake down pubs and stuff without having to involve the police outside Bangkok which has its own governor in control of pub licensing.  In the cabinet reshuffle Thaksin didn't disturb him or any of his ministers and deputy ministers, despite chronic underperformance of his education minister and deputy interior minister, both of whom have unsavory pasts. Now Anutin is positioning himself for the next big legalization - casinos which Thaksin tried unsuccessfully to legalize before and is coming back for a second bite of the cherry.  The BJP party team had a headstart to make big bucks from cannabis at 700 baht a gram.  So they cleaned up.  They are not going to rock the boat while they are in such a good position for a small party controlling interior, education and transport ministries, all lucrative A grade ministries, and well positioned for casinos. 

 

Anutin backpedal?

[kickstart]

14 hours ago, redwood1 said:

If the government wants the weed shops closed they all must revive compensation..

 

But whats really going to happen is..

 

 

The weed shops will be told they are still free to sell legal weed with .02 THC or less........lol

 

I am sure no one will have a problem with paying 100-200 baht a gram for dirt weed...

 

Thousands of weed shop owners will be left in serious debt and bankrupt..

 

 

Not only the sellers, what about the growers of the stuff, near me is a place 17 rie, almost 7 acers, they have invested a good few million in growing the weed and are still investing, there are few other smaller places.

Will they get any compensation?..........no

[stoner]

look to a story on bangkok p home page right now to see how prohibition is going. 1.4 tonnes of herion seized. 

[newbee2022]

7 hours ago, Robert Tyrrell said:

Meanwhile the rest of the world legalizes it , And its ok for Thai children to go into shops in villages and buy alcahol for there parents !! Not to mention Thailands road fatalities from alcahol !!! Destroy the economy for thousands of shp owners !!!

Why are you not talking with your government leaders and legal people to address this nonsense ,The P.M. is a dinosaur!!

What has buying alcohol and road fatalities to do with the cannabis decision? 😳

[Cat Boy]

2 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

Keep taking your so called "medicine" (for as long as it is available) as you obviously need it after that rant!

No interest. Zero. Couldn't care less. Not for me, that was the 70s, 50byears ago, Cheech & Chong, High Times, NORML,... yawn. Still, globally, the trend is towards legalization not recriminalization. Now the capitalist there really no likelihood any prohibition will fly 

[RobU]

3 hours ago, Adventurer1 said:

. Have you noticed that  internet sites are censored now that never were until recently ? 

Including this one

[Ebumbu]

It's Harry J. Anslinger by another name! Same tactics. 

[Trip Hop]

15 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Why is it so difficult to find a sensible solution?

How about: Don't sell it in the open and don't advertise it. Because the idea should not be to promote any kind of drug use. That is why we don't have advertisement for alcohol and cigarettes.

Sell it like cigarettes or maybe in pharmacies, could that be a reasonable compromise?

 

But then, nothing here is decided based on facts and logic. It's just decided. 

Sad.

You’ve hit the nail on the head and exactly my take on this as an ex-smoker who only gave it up because of regular drug tests at work that would show that you were stoned possibly 3 weeks ago at the weekend. 
 

This could have been so beneficial to many but the photo at the top with the original post just demonstrates the way exactly not to do it. Wouldn’t be surprised if this is Thaksin’s influence?

[scottiejohn]

1 hour ago, Cat Boy said:

No interest. Zero. Couldn't care less. Not for me, that was the 70s, 50byears ago, Cheech & Chong, High Times, NORML,... yawn. Still, globally, the trend is towards legalization not recriminalization. Now the capitalist there really no likelihood any prohibition will fly 

It seems with the above post that you are still taking the cr@p or you are on the booze!¬

[paulikens]

Not going to happen.  too much money involved now.  He's just saying that to keep the anti cannabis brigade happy. just like the visa waiver for European countries never happened.  That was just said to keep the tourist industry happy.    Politicians job is to lie

[AustinRacing]

15 hours ago, realfunster said:

If they enact this through parliament, I would be expecting class action lawsuits.

 

Hard to say how those would play out but it would certainly create negativity about the investment climate and regulatory stability in Thailand.

 

Whilst some of the shops looks expensively fitted out, I am also aware that companies have set up growing facilities here in Thailand, those investments will be of a higher magnitude I’m sure. I don’t know if these would be included in the government’s proposal. 

The stuff was legalized for medicinal purposes. Shops catering for recreational use similar to likes of Amsterdam sprung up all over touristy places. Strictly speaking they are operating illegally and as such won’t have chance in legal proceedings

 

Looks like Thaksin is back in action. Thailand is not sophisticated or mature enough to have legalised drugs. 

[Stargeezr]

Well if I was running a cannibas shop in Thailand I would get my sales done with and sell the shop before April 2025.

   I guess the politicians should have thought about this subject a bit more soberly and only allowed medical mary jane

for those who actually need it.  There are enough drug addicts around the world, so I am glad to see that Thailand is

backing off on their present policy.