Report Thailand’s Health Minister Faces Corruption Petition Over Cannabis Rules

[snoop1130]

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The Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network has called for an official investigation into the new cannabis regulations issued by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. This appeal, lodged with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on Tuesday, accuses Somsak and others of prioritising investor interests over the needs of local, small-scale growers.

 

The network's petition highlights several concerns, most notably the replacement of a protective ban on cannabis sales to individuals under 20 with a medical prescription system. Critics argue this change could inadvertently increase access for young people, who should remain protected under state policies.

 

A significant sticking point in the new regulations is the imposition of the Good Agriculture and Collection Practice (GACP) requirements. To distribute or export cannabis, businesses must now obtain certification from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. However, the opacity surrounding certification criteria and cannabis sourcing has led to few certifications being granted, limiting access for many small businesses.

 

The changes have left licensed growers, initially compliant with the 2022 regulations, struggling to sell their products. The result has been substantial financial losses for small enterprises and local communities, raising alarm among industry advocates.

 

Adding to the tension, the regulations will take immediate effect following their publication in the Royal Gazette, leaving the nearly 20,000 licensed shops little time to adjust to the new requirements. This sudden implementation is viewed by many as unfair to businesses that adhered to previous guidelines.

 

The network has also raised ethical questions about Somsak’s connections with business groups, suggesting a lack of transparency and fairness in his regulatory decisions. They argue that his actions have favoured certain investors, constraining economic opportunities for local cannabis growers.

 

Despite Somsak's deep understanding of Thailand's cannabis industry, critics assert that the absence of transitional measures in the new regulations signals an intent to benefit specific entities at the expense of broader industry fairness.

 

The controversy highlights a growing tension within Thailand’s burgeoning cannabis industry, balancing regulation with the need to support small businesses. As this story unfolds, attention remains fixed on the NACC's response and whether further legal action will follow.

 

The economic impact is profound, with already-struggling growers facing losses that ripple through local economies, potentially affecting livelihoods. With cannabis in Thailand capturing the interest of both domestic and international investors, the current regulatory landscape could shape its future significantly.

 

As stakeholders await further developments, the debate over fairness and regulation effectiveness within Thailand’s cannabis industry continues to intensify, underscoring the complex intersection of economics, law, and health policy.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-30

 

 

[sharot724]

It did seem as though changes were deep and little forethought as to the health of the industry.

[chawbdurian]

The NACC is absolutely right on this one. Somsak and his cronies just want a piece of the pie now that everyone and their dear old ย่า realizes what a goldmine weed is. 
 

If Somsak goonies really wanted to protect the youth;  increase the penalty for selling to them and force law enforcement to actually do their job. But it was never about protecting anyone and always about money. 

[kingstonkid]

15 hours ago, sharot724 said:

It did seem as though changes were deep and little forethought as to the health of the industry.

 

 

It is like many things that business and government do.

 

They give you free ability to do things, and then after you are hooked, they start charging a fee or finding a way to profit from it while screwing the people.

 

Consider now that they have people addicted to using digital currency, they have now devised a way to get people further in debt with the pay-later app.

 

Visa did the saem thing when it first started.  Everything was free, they just made their money off the interest, then they decided they could make more money by charging a usage fee to businesses.

 

Remember, BJT is not run by a philanthropist; ChidChob and his friends run it.  They are in business to make money.  Most of the shops, when this first started, were run by big businesses, and they tolerated a FEW SMALLER SHOPS.  Now the few smaller shops are eating their lunch, and they need to stop them.  Same with people growing.  Many smart farmers found that they could make more money growing plants than rice, so they started growing and selling to these small shops.  OOPS

 

I do have one question, though:  WHAT IS THE NEWS PAPERS' LOVE AFFAIR WITH NANA? They always use two shops in NANA for their stories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Thingamabob]

Somsak, a Thaksin puppet, has been told to get a share of the cannabis action by introducing legislation which favours larger investors over the smaller growers. Typical hypocrisy from Thaksin.

[Mad Mustang]

It’s Thailand, it’s cannabis, it’s a rort. Since when did righteousness and business ethics triumph over money on Lieland?

[kiwikeith]

15 hours ago, chawbdurian said:

The NACC is absolutely right on this one. Somsak and his cronies just want a piece of the pie now that everyone and their dear old ย่า realizes what a goldmine weed is. 
 

If Somsak goonies really wanted to protect the youth;  increase the penalty for selling to them and force law enforcement to actually do their job. But it was never about protecting anyone and always about money. 

I saw a big flash dope shop on Sukhomvit Rd yesterday selling as if nothing has happened