Report Thailand Shuts 1,000 Cannabis Shops in Sweeping Crackdown

[webfact]

File photo for reference only. AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit

 

The authorities have ramped up efforts to control cannabis misuse by closing over 1,000 shops and seizing nearly a tonne of cannabis flowers in a sweeping nationwide operation.

 

The crackdown, initiated by Thailand's Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, targeted 5,218 out of 18,763 cannabis-related businesses from 16 June to 13 August 2025, as part of a strategy to regulate the burgeoning industry and prevent youth access.

 

The actions taken during the operation included suspending 724 licences, revoking 129 licences, and prosecuting 180 businesses for operating without a valid licence. A significant move: 1,079 shops have been permanently closed.

 

Additionally, the operation resulted in the seizure of cannabis products in 116 instances. The authorities also made 33 arrests related to attempts to smuggle cannabis out of the country through Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Overall, a staggering 980.65 kg of cannabis was confiscated.

 

This enforcement follows a rise in public complaints since the decriminalisation of cannabis in 2022. A total of 176 complaints have been registered, focusing on issues like unlicensed sales, smoking within shop premises, sales to minors, public nuisances, and advertising violations. The most frequent complaints concerned unlicensed sales, with 68 reported cases.

 

Dr. Thewan Thaneerat, Deputy Director-General of the Department, emphasised the importance of strict regulation to ensure that cannabis usage aligns with health and social benefits rather than contributes to misuse. The focus remains on safeguarding youth and ensuring that the cannabis industry operates within a legal and socially responsible framework, reported The Nation.

 

D Nantasak Chotichanadechawong, Director of the Office for Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional and Folk Medicine Wisdom, stressed the proactive nature of these operations. These operations occur on a weekly basis, with the most recent sweep taking place on 13 August 2025.

 

This effort involved collaboration with various agencies in Bangkok and Nonthaburi, including police stations such as Phaya Thai, Chana Songkhram, Samae Dam Metropolitan, and Rattanathibet Provincial.

 

Detailed inspections during these operations revealed that out of 17 shops, seven possessed valid licences, one had no violations, five were closed on the day of inspection, one was no longer in business, and two were operating without a licence, leading to prosecution. Another shop faced suspension because it breached licence conditions.

 

Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.

 

Reports can be made via phone at 0-2591-7007 or through the department's website, www.dtam.moph.go.th. Continuous collaboration among communities, businesses, and authorities is critical to ensuring that cannabis use remains safe and beneficial for society.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-16

 

[gargamon]

Oh the humanity.

[nausea]

Whilst cannabis use is not one of my foibles (alcohol and cigs remain my poisons of choice) I have been considering long term cannabis use to deal with back pain; I understand kratom can also be effective. Currently, I occasionally take pain medications, but mostly just grin and bear it; my concern is the long term health effects of paracetamol, Arcoxia, Ultracet, and the like; especially as I occasionally binge drink, which puts enough strain on my liver as it is, methinks.

[Jingthing]

Major bummer.

[marin]

35 minutes ago, webfact said:

The crackdown, initiated by Thailand's Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, targeted 5,218 out of 18,763 cannabis-related businesses from 16 June to 13 August 2025, as part of a strategy to regulate the burgeoning industry and prevent youth access.

 

This article has about as much truth as the figures for tourism. Notice its over the last two months, of which the last 6 weeks nothing has been enforced or happened. Simply BS hyperbole from an untrusted source. 

[baansgr]

Best thing to do...now they realise having weed shops is hitting them where it hurts...in the pocket..won't be surprised to see many, many more shut down

[BritManToo]

55 minutes ago, webfact said:

The actions taken during the operation included suspending 724 licences, revoking 129 licences, and prosecuting 180 businesses for operating without a valid licence. A significant move: 1,079 shops have been permanently closed.

 

This enforcement follows a rise in public complaints since the decriminalisation of cannabis in 2022. A total of 176 complaints have been registered, focusing on issues like unlicensed sales, smoking within shop premises, sales to minors, public nuisances, and advertising violations. The most frequent complaints concerned unlicensed sales, with 68 reported cases.

So 180 complaints lead to 1,080 shops being closed.

Did every complaint report 6 shops?

[redwood1]

15 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

So 180 complaints lead to 1,080 shops being closed.

Did every complaint report 6 shops?

 

Yep it complete nonsense.....

 

 

The most frequent complaints concerned unlicensed sales, with 68 reported cases.

 

 

So a whole bunch of ( Karens )  are running wild on the streets checking if weed shops are licenced properly and stirring up trouble and making complaints..............lol...........Yea right give me a break......My guess is they have received almost zero complaints......

 

 

[Gottfrid]

Awesome! Guy´s back to the bottle! 😂