File photo

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, renowned for pioneering the decriminalisation of cannabis and fostering its early growth, is positioning Thailand's cannabis industry for a resurgence. Since Anutin decriminalised marijuana in 2022, making Thailand the first Asian nation to do so, the sector has faced a rollercoaster of policy changes. Without a concrete cannabis law, regulation has been challenging, raising fears of it being classified as a narcotic again.

 

With Anutin and his Bhumjaithai Party leading the charge, the mood among dispensary owners, growers, and stakeholders is optimistic, as per advocacy group Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future. Anutin’s leadership offers hope for the industry, especially since he secured the prime ministership with support from the pro-democracy People’s Party, the largest bloc in Parliament.

 

Renewed Optimism in the Industry

 

The threat of reclassifying cannabis seems to be easing, thanks to Anutin's political stance. Prasitchai Nunual, from Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future, mentions that officials have become more supportive since Anutin's rise to power. This change in attitude is a welcome relief for those in the cannabis trade.

 

Earlier, the industry faced potential setbacks under the Pheu Thai-led government. Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had considered reverting cannabis to a narcotic status, fulfilling pre-election promises, before withdrawing these plans. Subsequent efforts by ex-Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra included banning recreational use and limiting consumption to medicinal purposes only.

 

Navigating Changing Policies

 

In contrast, Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party advocates for a balanced approach—keeping cannabis decriminalised but regulating recreational use. Anutin is committed to reshaping the industry’s future. His recent political victory has dispelled fears of harsh crackdowns and shop closures prevalent under the previous government, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Authorities under the prior administration had intensified scrutiny on cannabis shops and increased vigilance against smuggling activities, with illegal shipments reported across various international destinations. The industry anticipates a relaxed enforcement environment with the change in leadership.

 

Future Prospects and Challenges

 

While there is a palpable sense of relief, industry experts like Rattapon Sanrak of Bangkok's Highland Cafe stress the challenges businesses still face due to the fluctuating policy landscape. The high cost of compliant cultivation and mandatory medical prescriptions has driven many operators underground.

 

Although Anutin's government might only be a temporary setup, significant policy shifts or the passing of the proposed cannabis bill might not be feasible. The uncertainty of future elections, where a different political party might alter the trajectory again, adds to the industry's apprehensions.

 

Prasitchai of Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future emphasises the importance of concrete legislation. Their network is keen on pushing the cannabis bill through once a stable government is established. For now, the industry remains hopeful for steady leadership and sustainable policies under Anutin’s guidance.

 

Outlook for Thai Cannabis

 

Anutin’s return brings cautious optimism to a sector that has seen its share of ups and downs. Stakeholders continue to push for legislation that ensures stability and growth, while many look to the new government to alleviate the burdens of past regulatory inconsistencies. The future of Thailand’s cannabis industry hinges on consistent policy enforcement and the eventual establishment of a definitive legal framework.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-08

 

 

Pass the dutchie pon di the left hand side.

Weed rules!

Lets hope so and whilst he's at it reverse the insane vaping ban.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

With Anutin and his Bhumjaithai Party leading the charge, the mood among dispensary owners, growers, and stakeholders is optimistic, as per advocacy group Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future. Anutin’s leadership offers hope for the industry, especially since he secured the prime ministership with support from the pro-democracy People’s Party, the largest bloc in Parliament.

He has more to think about at the moment than cannabis.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, renowned for pioneering the decriminalisation of cannabis 

 

 

So, the new premier is filling in him.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Weed rules!

Correct weed spreads quickly and need insecticide to try and get it under control. The parasites are happy now to destroy Thailand and dumb people down 

Gangs will spread, tourists will be hippies again, driving on the roads will become more dangerous and his unelected platform has 4 more months to achieve turning LOS into the biggest joke and biggest drug dealing country in the world, there will be more meth and coke on the ground than you have ever seen before, his cronies will get filthy rich and Thailand will be the laughing stock of the world, it's sick since he started mass farming gunga and will now become sicker than a soi dog. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

He has more to think about at the moment than cannabis.

Yes he has to think about his downfall as a failed drug baron, Venezuela his get away destination, Trump might put a bounty on his head 

Happy days are here again!!

 

Most probably good news, but that sly politician may have traded away recreational use in his endless quest for power.  Time will tell.

 

 

20 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

Correct weed spreads quickly and need insecticide to try and get it under control. The parasites are happy now to destroy Thailand and dumb people down 

Gangs will spread, tourists will be hippies again, driving on the roads will become more dangerous and his unelected platform has 4 more months to achieve turning LOS into the biggest joke and biggest drug dealing country in the world, there will be more meth and coke on the ground than you have ever seen before, his cronies will get filthy rich and Thailand will be the laughing stock of the world, it's sick since he started mass farming gunga and will now become sicker than a soi dog. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's some sour grapes that you are chewing on.

 

Weed rules rocks. 😎

 

19 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

Correct weed spreads quickly and need insecticide to try and get it under control. The parasites are happy now to destroy Thailand and dumb people down 

Gangs will spread, tourists will be hippies again, driving on the roads will become more dangerous and his unelected platform has 4 more months to achieve turning LOS into the biggest joke and biggest drug dealing country in the world, there will be more meth and coke on the ground than you have ever seen before, his cronies will get filthy rich and Thailand will be the laughing stock of the world, it's sick since he started mass farming gunga and will now become sicker than a soi dog. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just watch poverty grow, dope heads, watch children destroying themselves, you masterminds lined up for Covid shots now you're lining up for the da da drug 

 

Just now, Bert got kinky said:

 

That's some sour grapes that you are chewing on.

 

Weed rules rocks. 😎

 

Yes rocks in your small mind 

23 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

Correct weed spreads quickly and need insecticide to try and get it under control. The parasites are happy now to destroy Thailand and dumb people down 

Gangs will spread, tourists will be hippies again, driving on the roads will become more dangerous and his unelected platform has 4 more months to achieve turning LOS into the biggest joke and biggest drug dealing country in the world, there will be more meth and coke on the ground than you have ever seen before, his cronies will get filthy rich and Thailand will be the laughing stock of the world, it's sick since he started mass farming gunga and will now become sicker than a soi dog. 

 

 

 

18 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

Yes he has to think about his downfall as a failed drug baron, Venezuela his get away destination, Trump might put a bounty on his head 

Another "Reefer Madness" guy who is so worked up he cant even get out a decent sentence.  Enjoy bro, lots of toking going on. 

That photo at the top of this thread reminds me of that quote in Apocolypse Now.

 

Anutin: Ah!  I love the smell of weed in the morning.

Doubt he do anything on cannabis to sour the relationship with the People Party who are against unregulated use of cannabis. 

37 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

Correct weed spreads quickly and need insecticide to try and get it under control. The parasites are happy now to destroy Thailand and dumb people down 

Gangs will spread, tourists will be hippies again, driving on the roads will become more dangerous and his unelected platform has 4 more months to achieve turning LOS into the biggest joke and biggest drug dealing country in the world, there will be more meth and coke on the ground than you have ever seen before, his cronies will get filthy rich and Thailand will be the laughing stock of the world, it's sick since he started mass farming gunga and will now become sicker than a soi dog. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red finger is unhappy with having to go to a Dr for his dope 

What a joke, Thailand, you better hang on tight because you are in for a bumpy ride!!

24 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

Red finger is unhappy with having to go to a Dr for his dope 

 

Yes. I actually did this and it was a ridiculous waste of time/money, and seemed degrading to the doctor, though maybe it helped her pay off some debt. They ask questions, you give a canned response "I have trouble sleeping" and you get the prescription.

So will mushrooms be available soon.

1 hour ago, kiwikeith said:

Correct weed spreads quickly and need insecticide to try and get it under control. The parasites are happy now to destroy Thailand and dumb people down 

Gangs will spread, tourists will be hippies again, driving on the roads will become more dangerous and his unelected platform has 4 more months to achieve turning LOS into the biggest joke and biggest drug dealing country in the world, there will be more meth and coke on the ground than you have ever seen before, his cronies will get filthy rich and Thailand will be the laughing stock of the world, it's sick since he started mass farming gunga and will now become sicker than a soi dog. 

 

Wondering what you have been drinking this morning. YIKES !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48 minutes ago, marin said:

 

Another "Reefer Madness" guy who is so worked up he cant even get out a decent sentence.  Enjoy bro, lots of toking going on. 

The last nut case Health Minister who I gave the name Dr. Doom was reading stories people smoking weed thinking they were Spider Man. So much misinformation right out of the 1930's America. 

26 minutes ago, davb said:

 

Yes. I actually did this and it was a ridiculous waste of time/money, and seemed degrading to the doctor, though maybe it helped her pay off some debt. They ask questions, you give a canned response "I have trouble sleeping" and you get the prescription.

It's not canned it's true,most of the dopers here don't have medical requirements because they are addicted try some fresh air and exorcise, you will sleep like a baby 

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, kiwikeith said:

Correct weed spreads quickly and need insecticide to try and get it under control. The parasites are happy now to destroy Thailand and dumb people down 

Gangs will spread, tourists will be hippies again, driving on the roads will become more dangerous and his unelected platform has 4 more months to achieve turning LOS into the biggest joke and biggest drug dealing country in the world, there will be more meth and coke on the ground than you have ever seen before, his cronies will get filthy rich and Thailand will be the laughing stock of the world, it's sick since he started mass farming gunga and will now become sicker than a soi dog. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I respect your right to an opinion, I do.

 

 

 

 

3 minutes ago, fondue zoo said:

 

I respect your right to an opinion, I do.

 

 

 

 

Wrong, psychopaths and peasants 

1 hour ago, marin said:

 

Another "Reefer Madness" guy who is so worked up he cant even get out a decent sentence.  Enjoy bro, lots of toking going on. 

You don't know that the president of veneswaila has a 5 million bounty on his head by Trump as the biggest drug Dealer in SA Anutin is a drug barron in charge of the all the stupid dope heads that chear him on for all the cheap Charlie's being able to get buds without being able to afford a prescription and being tracked in the system bravo 

Cheap Charlie's with no respect for the youth and future of this country you're the toker but not the joker maybe you are the sick toker 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Mitkof Island said:

 

Green tea. Made from cannabis buds saves the lungs, also home grown no pesticides, saving money as well 

 

 

 

 

I haven't smoked since 1985, no dog in the fight. 

This poorly thought out decision to make pot essentially illegal would result in economic losses for untold numbers of small and medium businesses. Investors would look elsewhere to put their money. Investors are by nature conservative when it comes to laws on the playing field of business. Put money where there is some stability.

This "which ever way the wind happens to be blowing" decision making will go far beyond the millions of dollars lost by locals. It will be the gap left when those with money rightfully decided Thailand just isn't worth the risk.

It's the only progressive and wise move this man has ever made in his political career, everything else has been a mistake, a miscalculation, overly draconian or just plain dumb. Especially his 10 years with the junta. 

Anutin’s Return Sparks Hope for Thai Cannabis Industry.

 

He may not be long enough there in power  to do something .