Picture courtesy of Khoasod

 

A Vietnamese national has been arrested for illegally cultivating cannabis in a commercial building that had been converted into a full-scale cannabis production facility in Bangkok’s Lak Si district. Authorities reported that the operation caused significant odour and disturbance to the local community.

 

On 28 January, Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasat Khemaprasit, Chief of Immigration Division 1, along with senior immigration and local police officers, conducted a raid on a commercial building in Ngamwongwan Soi 32, following reports of suspicious activity and complaints from residents.

 

After obtaining a search warrant from the Criminal Court, officers, in coordination with Prachachuen Police Station and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, searched a four-storey commercial building (No. 55/83-85).

 

The investigation revealed that the building had been modified extensively. The first floor served as storage for fertiliser and as a living area for workers, accommodating 6–7 individuals. The second to fourth floors were equipped with advanced cultivation systems, including air conditioning, fans, irrigation, and lighting to grow cannabis plants.

 

Authorities arrested a Vietnamese man identified as Mr Nguyen Ngoc, who admitted to overseeing the cultivation for approximately four months. He claimed to have been hired by a Thai employer, referred to as “Mr Ton” (full name unknown), earning 20,000 baht per month.

 

The raid uncovered significant evidence, including:

 

• One bag of dried cannabis flowers.

• 242 cannabis plants with flowers already harvested.

• 232 cannabis plants without flowers.

• 455 cannabis seedlings.

 

Mr Nguyen was charged with:

 

1. Working without a permit, under the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers.

 

2. Selling or processing controlled herbs (cannabis) for trade without a licence, under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Knowledge Act.

 

The building lacked a licence to cultivate cannabis from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. The operator of the building and workers face potential penalties, including up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

 

Officials warned that any attempt to export processed cannabis could result in additional charges. Entrepreneurs seeking to cultivate cannabis, especially for commercial purposes, must register with the appropriate government authorities. Licensing fees are minimal, and compliance ensures proper control of cannabis distribution, preventing sales to minors and reducing social issues.

 

The authorities emphasised the importance of legal compliance to regulate cannabis cultivation and prevent illicit activities.

 

-- 2025-01-29

 

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasat Khemaprasit, Chief of Immigration Division 1, along with senior immigration and local police officers, conducted a raid

 

As usual, this seems like overkill to arrest one hapless low-wage illegal worker (while his Thai bosses apparently weren't touched).

 

And though the authorities are acting as though busting a cannabis farm is a big deal, it appears that only license and permit regulations were violated - and even the officials acknowledge that getting the right permits is easy and cheap.

Minor misunderstanding. 

is this the same facility up for sale on facebook?

Why don’t they go after the guy who owns or rented the building to the guy who’s really growing it and said they go after the small potatoes here would surprise me if the owner was really high politician or policeman TIT

4 hours ago, khunjeff said:

- and even the officials acknowledge that getting the right permits is easy and cheap

All the more reason to bust those who fail to obtain the right permits