Report Struggling Cannabis Farms Fear New Regulations in Thailand

[snoop1130]

A worker tends to cannabis plants at a farm in Kanchanaburi province, west of Bangkok, Thailand, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

In Thailand's lush Nakhon Ratchasima region, Somkiat Nitiketkosol is grappling with uncertainty at his cannabis farm, Suan Fah Yim. For years, small and medium-sized growers have faced intense competition, falling prices, and changing government policies. Now, a new challenge looms: the Ministry of Public Health's decision to tighten cannabis regulations.

 

As the ministry moves to reclassify cannabis as a controlled substance for medical use only, with plans to relist it as a narcotic within 45 days, many farmers fear for their future.

 

"We're in limbo," Somkiat says. "Upgrading from GAP [Good Agricultural Practices] to GACP [Good Agricultural and Collection Practices] is costly and time-consuming. It's nearly impossible for small farms like ours."

 

Thailand's cannabis market has seen foreign investors drive prices of cannabis flowers from 500–700 baht per gram to less than 100 baht. "We have to stop planting until the government clarifies its stance," Somkiat explains, worried about potential corruption and exploitation. "Most permits go to big players while small farmers wait, often falling victim to scams," he warns.

 

Somkiat questions the government’s priorities: "Instead of cracking down on illegal sellers, they’re making life harder for honest growers. We need clear laws, not political games."

 

Montri Yiamsungnoen, head of the Korat Loves Cannabis network, faces similar struggles. His group invested over 10 million baht in greenhouses, now growing other crops like morning glory and chillies due to stall in cannabis sales.

 

"We followed the rules, but now we're facing losses," Montri says. His network, comprising farmers, retirees, and even a former deputy governor, seeks government compensation. Despite the hurdles, Montri remains hopeful. "We’re ready to pursue GACP certification for medical-grade cannabis but need clear, fair regulations."

 

Reclassification Risks and Industry Concerns

 

Wisan Potprasat, president of the Community Enterprise Network of Western Herbal Alliances, opposes the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic. "It would hinder genuine medical use and research," he argues, urging the government to avoid turning cannabis into a political tool.

 

"The industry is already struggling," Wisan continues. "Without systematic solutions, it risks collapsing like past political promises."

 

In Khon Kaen, dispensaries are preparing for changes. Phachara Thaisa, owner of Weed Station, views the regulations as a chance to bring order. "Unlicensed shops have saturated the market. Proper enforcement can elevate the industry," he says.

 

Phachara is ready to hire medical staff and adhere to the prescription-only rule. "Sales might drop, but quality and legitimacy will improve," he believes, though he notes the government must support legal operators with transparency.

 

Assistant Public Health Minister Dr. Thanakrit Jitareerat confirms unauthorized cannabis use is illegal. Only licensed professionals can prescribe cannabis, and recreational use is prohibited.

 

Promises and Concerns for the Future

 

Cannabis holds real medical potential, with thousands of practitioners able to prescribe it. Yet, post-liberalization, easy availability has led to illegal sales and youth consumption, complicating regulatory efforts.

 

Medical experts like Assoc Prof Smith Srisont from Ramathibodi Hospital argue strict controls are necessary to prevent misuse. Meanwhile, advocates like Daycha Siripatra suggest the government's rush to control may be politically driven.

 

Farmers, dispensary owners, and tourism operators seek clear laws and transparent enforcement to transition to a sustainable cannabis sector. "Cannabis can benefit many," says Somkiat, "but only if the government sets the right rules."

 

Minister Somsak Thepsutin acknowledges operators' frustrations over potential reclassification worries. "Medical cannabis businesses will receive our support," he assures, hoping for collaborative solutions to avoid conflicts.

 

"We don’t want to scare entrepreneurs," Somsak adds, emphasizing the need for well-thought-out legislation to support business and investment without causing disruption.

 

As Thailand's cannabis industry faces a crossroads, stakeholders hope for fair, clear, and supportive government action to preserve its potential.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-27

 

 

[smedly]

and who was heavily involved in these farms

 

well my guess would be Anutin

[newbee2022]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A worker tends to cannabis plants at a farm in Kanchanaburi province, west of Bangkok, Thailand, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

In Thailand's lush Nakhon Ratchasima region, Somkiat Nitiketkosol is grappling with uncertainty at his cannabis farm, Suan Fah Yim. For years, small and medium-sized growers have faced intense competition, falling prices, and changing government policies. Now, a new challenge looms: the Ministry of Public Health's decision to tighten cannabis regulations.

 

As the ministry moves to reclassify cannabis as a controlled substance for medical use only, with plans to relist it as a narcotic within 45 days, many farmers fear for their future.

 

"We're in limbo," Somkiat says. "Upgrading from GAP [Good Agricultural Practices] to GACP [Good Agricultural and Collection Practices] is costly and time-consuming. It's nearly impossible for small farms like ours."

 

Thailand's cannabis market has seen foreign investors drive prices of cannabis flowers from 500–700 baht per gram to less than 100 baht. "We have to stop planting until the government clarifies its stance," Somkiat explains, worried about potential corruption and exploitation. "Most permits go to big players while small farmers wait, often falling victim to scams," he warns.

 

Somkiat questions the government’s priorities: "Instead of cracking down on illegal sellers, they’re making life harder for honest growers. We need clear laws, not political games."

 

Montri Yiamsungnoen, head of the Korat Loves Cannabis network, faces similar struggles. His group invested over 10 million baht in greenhouses, now growing other crops like morning glory and chillies due to stall in cannabis sales.

 

"We followed the rules, but now we're facing losses," Montri says. His network, comprising farmers, retirees, and even a former deputy governor, seeks government compensation. Despite the hurdles, Montri remains hopeful. "We’re ready to pursue GACP certification for medical-grade cannabis but need clear, fair regulations."

 

Reclassification Risks and Industry Concerns

 

Wisan Potprasat, president of the Community Enterprise Network of Western Herbal Alliances, opposes the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic. "It would hinder genuine medical use and research," he argues, urging the government to avoid turning cannabis into a political tool.

 

"The industry is already struggling," Wisan continues. "Without systematic solutions, it risks collapsing like past political promises."

 

In Khon Kaen, dispensaries are preparing for changes. Phachara Thaisa, owner of Weed Station, views the regulations as a chance to bring order. "Unlicensed shops have saturated the market. Proper enforcement can elevate the industry," he says.

 

Phachara is ready to hire medical staff and adhere to the prescription-only rule. "Sales might drop, but quality and legitimacy will improve," he believes, though he notes the government must support legal operators with transparency.

 

Assistant Public Health Minister Dr. Thanakrit Jitareerat confirms unauthorized cannabis use is illegal. Only licensed professionals can prescribe cannabis, and recreational use is prohibited.

 

Promises and Concerns for the Future

 

Cannabis holds real medical potential, with thousands of practitioners able to prescribe it. Yet, post-liberalization, easy availability has led to illegal sales and youth consumption, complicating regulatory efforts.

 

Medical experts like Assoc Prof Smith Srisont from Ramathibodi Hospital argue strict controls are necessary to prevent misuse. Meanwhile, advocates like Daycha Siripatra suggest the government's rush to control may be politically driven.

 

Farmers, dispensary owners, and tourism operators seek clear laws and transparent enforcement to transition to a sustainable cannabis sector. "Cannabis can benefit many," says Somkiat, "but only if the government sets the right rules."

 

Minister Somsak Thepsutin acknowledges operators' frustrations over potential reclassification worries. "Medical cannabis businesses will receive our support," he assures, hoping for collaborative solutions to avoid conflicts.

 

"We don’t want to scare entrepreneurs," Somsak adds, emphasizing the need for well-thought-out legislation to support business and investment without causing disruption.

 

As Thailand's cannabis industry faces a crossroads, stakeholders hope for fair, clear, and supportive government action to preserve its potential.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-27

 

 

There is no guarantee for wealth if you're self employed.

Look for another business instead of selling drugs👎

[Expat Tom]

If you don't understand that everything coming out of the Bangkok cartel is coming DIRECTLY from 

Taskin. The government decision to bar him from politics should have extended to his entire family.

Metaphorically speaking, "His daughter is a puppet and he is the puppet master". He probably decides what she has for lunch. I look at the stupidity and corruption in the country of my birth and then look at the Thai government and realize my country isn't so bad after all.

 

I love Thailand but am not trapped here. I can leave tomorrow if I chose. I feel bad for my many Thai friends who cannot do the same.

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

As the ministry moves to reclassify cannabis as a controlled substance for medical use only, with plans to relist it as a narcotic within 45 days, many farmers fear for their future.

They can still produce and sell to the pharmaceutical establishments, business will continue.

The only drop would be selling to the weed shops who serve non-prescription users.

 

[JBChiangRai]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

 

"We followed the rules, but now we're facing losses," Montri says.

I take issue with that.  Every grower set up to satisfy the recreational market and Anutin was very clear at the time weed was legalized that recreational use was a big no no.

 

If you were stupid enough to ignore that then I have zero sympathy.

 

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

[Bohemianfish]

So they say: "We don’t want to scare entrepreneurs," Somsak adds, emphasizing the need for well-thought-out legislation to support business and investment without causing disruption.

 

A little late for that. Cart before horse.

[watchcat]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's cannabis market has seen foreign investors drive prices of cannabis flowers from 500–700 baht per gram to less than 100 baht.

 

Blame Anutin.

[Cabradelmar]

On the other hand, there will soon be a lot more second hand air conditioning units for sale on the secondary market 🤠 

[Spock]

I feel sorry for the people who have been lulled into believe the previous state of affairs would continue, only to be rudely hit with the about face in regulations. Posters criticising growers and sellers for not adhering to the strictly medical side of legalisation ignore the fact that recreational use has been allowed to flourish, through fault only of politicians and authorities that made no attempt to enforce a medicinal only approach. There's no end of posters prepared to place the entire blame for the hardships caused by policy reversal squarly on the shoulders of the industry workers rather than the framers and administrators of the legislation. I am coming for a couple of moths in two weeks and got a Thai mate to buy for me yesterday, then I will investigate the ease or otherwise with which a prescription can be obtained. If difficult or impossible, despite living 6 years at one time in the country and speaking Thai,  I will go elsewhere next year. Sure the legalislation has been badly handled as you could expect it might be by politicians who can't see beyond the end of their nose. But it's ordinary Thai people who will have to pay for their mistakes. I hope that medicinal use will actually seem more like recreational use with medical approval as is the case in Australia and supply, THC levels remain largely unaltered as people acquire prescriptions for their sudden chronic conditions.

[Will B Good]

A classic example, certainly for foreigners, of the dangers of investing here........right down to 'never buy only rent'.

[movsrusnj]

Getting a  certificate to buy for medicinal reasons is just another shakedown like the medical certificate to get a driver's license. It will be like California when they legalized medical marijuana. You could get a card on the way to the beach. No appointment needed. 

[marin]

11 minutes ago, movsrusnj said:

It will be like California when they legalized medical marijuana. You could get a card on the way to the beach. No appointment needed. 

When it was legalized the need for a card was over. Dont understand your post. 

[AustinRacing]

Since when drug business asking for people sympathy? All these new so called farms produced for recreational users which is not allowed. Shut them down. 

[Spock]

8 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

Since when drug business asking for people sympathy? All these new so called farms produced for recreational users which is not allowed. Shut them down. 

But they were allowed! If they weren't, no one stopped them, hence the 18000 dispensaries that opened and countless groweres. No one was being arrested or prosecuted. Given it seemed that whether intended or not recreational use seem there to stay, why would people seek to supply the market. They were doing nothing illegal, just making a living like anyone else.

[baansgr]

14 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

Since when drug business asking for people sympathy? All these new so called farms produced for recreational users which is not allowed. Shut them down. 

Good man...now wait for the drink is more harmful than weed brigade to come along and shoot you down in flames as an uneducated moron. Just proofs that weed messes with your decisions, what idiot could not see this happening....anyway, onwards and upwards to a cleaner, brighter and safer place to live with all these potheads 

[sungod]

2 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Good man...now wait for the drink is more harmful than weed brigade to come along and shoot you down in flames as an uneducated moron. Just 

 

No need to, you do a pretty good job of it on your own. 

[baansgr]

2 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

No need to, you do a pretty good job of it on your own. 

Stoned already...what a waste..

[sungod]

2 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Stoned already...what a waste..

Whats your excuse, a bit early to be on the pop? 

[LukKrueng]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

For years, small and medium-sized growers have faced intense competition, falling prices, and changing government policies.

Yes, for many years, decades actually, maybe even a century or 2?

Love the drama, don't you?

[baansgr]

2 minutes ago, sungod said:

Whats your excuse, a bit early to be on the pop? 

Just go away, I bet you been smoking pot for years and years

[sungod]

1 minute ago, baansgr said:

Just go away, I bet you been smoking pot for years and years

Makes engaging with morons easier. 

[atpeace]

4 minutes ago, Spock said:

But they were allowed! If they weren't, no one stopped them, hence the 18000 dispensaries that opened and countless groweres. No one was being arrested or prosecuted. Given it seemed that whether intended or not recreational use seem there to stay, why would people seek to supply the market. They were doing nothing illegal, just making a living like anyone else.

Huh? Another delusional rant from a person that is bent about the impending enforcement of  laws.  IMO, make it legal but the tireless posts by those that don't like the law are tiresome.  If valid points were made and not lies and silly rants they would get more support.  People just got tired of hearing how wonderful it was and anybody that didn't buy into their narrative 200% was ridiculed.  

 

Such a wonderful opportunity to get weed without risk trashed by the better than thou segment of the weed smokers.  Still easy enough for me to obtain but  what fools.

[baansgr]

1 minute ago, sungod said:

Makes engaging with morons easier. 

20 years of a sizzled brain