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Will They Re-Criminalize Cannabis in Thailand Within 60 Days?

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  • Popular Post

It sounds like three of the major political parties are planning to organize in parliament to re-criminalize cannabis in Thailand in some form after the February 8 general election. It is hard to say what the outcome of all this posturing will be, but it is starting to feel like a serious legal change is becoming more likely. This could potentially happen as soon as March, once the election is over and a coalition government has been formed. It also seems to be an issue they are all focused on addressing fairly quickly.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3175624/parties-vow-to-ban-sales-of-cannabis

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  • Texas ranger
    Texas ranger

    It might just be my opinion, but cannabis has only attracted low-quality tourists. The shops are often run by foreigners who believe they're Pablo Escobar. It's just more garbage in a family resort. I

  • KhunHeineken
    KhunHeineken

    It is regulated and taxed, but the stoners refuse to light up behind closed doors. If they did, everyone's happy. However, they want to light up in public places, thus embarrassing Thai officials (l

  • SoCal1990
    SoCal1990

    It would be interesting to see a comparison study done in Thailand comparing teenage deaths over the last 3 years linked to cannabis, compared to alcohol, and then to hard recreational drugs. I think

  • Author

Quoting further from the article linked below that was published on a major Malaysian news site today.

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/2026/01/22/weed-backlash-grows-in-thailand-as-children-turn-to-cannabis

Noticeably silent about the issue on the campaign trail is the man who spearheaded decriminalisation - Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Once hailed as the "Cannabis King,” he rose to political notoriety in the 2019 election for championing the drug for medical use and as a cash crop.

A deputy leader for his ruling Bhumjaithai Party told Bloomberg News that its cannabis policy had been "distorted heavily” and was never intended for recreational purposes. If the party returns to power after the Feb 8 vote, it would push for legislation to allow only for medical use without recriminalising it.

The reformist People’s Party and Pheu Thai Party, two other political parties leading in polls, however have indicated the plant would be back on the narcotics list - although the issue is not featured in their pledges.

  • Popular Post

Its clear Thailand fumbled cannabis legalization. Will they be able to sort it out in a manner that works.....

I say no.

Greedy power players and politicians in Thailand always seem to screw so many things up. Then there is the whole tarnishing Thailands image mumbo jumbo talk that will come up.

I offered to help the government. But alas I'm just a dumb foreigner who doesn't understand.

Give me a call anutin buddy ....my consultation rates will be reasonable.

  • Popular Post

It would be interesting to see a comparison study done in Thailand comparing teenage deaths over the last 3 years linked to cannabis, compared to alcohol, and then to hard recreational drugs. I think most of us already know what the results would show. That is exactly what the people trying to shut down a booming cannabis industry in Thailand refuse to acknowledge.

  • Popular Post

"Children turn to cannabis"? Any lie will do, apparently.

Is it possible that it could cause another military coup, and the Thai military junta control cannabis. Never say never, in Thailand. 😂

  • Popular Post

For cannabis to be re-criminalized would, as far as I understand it, require an Act of Parliament. It can't be re-criminalized with an "Edict", even though that's how it was decriminalized originally back in Feb-Jun 2022.

I can't see an election being finalized, a government formed, a head of Parliament chosen, and a bill being generated and 'read', in the next 60 days.

Maybe 180 - 360 days, if at all.

1 hour ago, bamnutsak said:

For cannabis to be re-criminalized would, as far as I understand it, require an Act of Parliament. It can't be re-criminalized with an "Edict", even though that's how it was decriminalized originally back in Feb-Jun 2022.

I can't see an election being finalized, a government formed, a head of Parliament chosen, and a bill being generated and 'read', in the next 60 days.

Maybe 180 - 360 days, if at all.

So the best we can hope for is protracted political chaos, so that nothing gets passed into law soon.

My prediction: People's Party wins the election with the most votes but not enough MPs to form a coalition government. Anutin plays his cards and remains Prime Minister. Nothing changes about cannabis.

  • Popular Post

Is there really public demand to criminalize cannabis? I don't see it. People seem more upset about the Rama 2 road and extensive corruption.

I think this is simply Thaksin and his Pheu Thai party pushing for it. The People's Party, mentioned in that article, is a corrupt joke.

  • Popular Post
7 hours ago, davb said:

I think this is simply Thaksin and his Pheu Thai party pushing for it.

If only they had a "Cannabis Pledge Policy" like they did with rice. 🙂

  • Popular Post
7 hours ago, davb said:

Is there really public demand to criminalize cannabis? I don't see it. People seem more upset about the Rama 2 road and extensive corruption.

I think this is simply Thaksin and his Pheu Thai party pushing for it. The People's Party, mentioned in that article, is a corrupt joke.

BINGO! Mr.T again in the shadows.

  • Popular Post
1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

If only they had a "Cannabis Pledge Policy" like they did with rice. 🙂

I pledge to smoke as much cannabis as possible to rid thailand of this scourge.

  • Author
18 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

For cannabis to be re-criminalized would, as far as I understand it, require an Act of Parliament. It can't be re-criminalized with an "Edict", even though that's how it was decriminalized originally back in Feb-Jun 2022.

I can't see an election being finalized, a government formed, a head of Parliament chosen, and a bill being generated and 'read', in the next 60 days.

Maybe 180 - 360 days, if at all.

16 hours ago, ricklev said:

My prediction: People's Party wins the election with the most votes but not enough MPs to form a coalition government. Anutin plays his cards and remains Prime Minister. Nothing changes about cannabis.

Both of these seem like at least partially possible outcomes. But even if things don’t move as quickly as I suggested, and Anutin manages to prevent any major changes in the short term, this issue doesn’t seem like it will just fade away. I believe the opposing parties are aiming to push it toward an Act of Parliament, which is why I find it more serious this time. Also, looking at the last general election in 2023, Pheu Thai took power in August, roughly three months after the May election, even despite all the chaos involving Move Forward after the election. So, if a government is formed again within 2-3 months after the February 8 election, that could be when we see more momentum on this issue again in Parliament. That will also be when Anutin's power on the issue gets tested, assuming he ends up as PM.

22 hours ago, blaze master said:

I pledge to smoke as much cannabis as possible to rid thailand of this scourge.

Could you imagine all the rice farms in Issan being converted into Cannabis plantations because it was way more lucrative? 🙂

14 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Could you imagine all the rice farms in Issan being converted into Cannabis plantations because it was way more lucrative? 🙂

Issan kush. Hits hard.

  • Popular Post

The consequence of any significant restriction would be to create the mother of all black markets - that's the worst possible outcome. They need to find a way to regulate and tax it in a way everyone can live with. There's no going back.

  • Popular Post
14 hours ago, Wuvu2 said:

The consequence of any significant restriction would be to create the mother of all black markets - that's the worst possible outcome. They need to find a way to regulate and tax it in a way everyone can live with. There's no going back.

I agree there is no going back so they better find a solution and focus on the hard drugs and corruption first if they are serious. Just be aware Mr. T is always trying to pull something. That entire family clan is bad news but for some odd reason Thais listen to their constant promises and b.s. Sounds just like America now . Vote for the rich and suffer every time. DUMB!

  • Popular Post
On 1/26/2026 at 5:21 AM, Wuvu2 said:

The consequence of any significant restriction would be to create the mother of all black markets - that's the worst possible outcome. They need to find a way to regulate and tax it in a way everyone can live with. There's no going back.

It is regulated and taxed, but the stoners refuse to light up behind closed doors. If they did, everyone's happy. However, they want to light up in public places, thus embarrassing Thai officials (loss of face) and disturbing those around them who who do not smoke.

I'm not anti cannabis, but I don't smoke it. If people would light up out of the public's view, it's possible none of this would be an issue.

Hope so.

Waayyy too many farang wingnuts with induced psychosis going berzerk here, no thanx to the devil's cabbage in their crack pipes.

10 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Hope so.

Waayyy too many farang wingnuts with induced psychosis going berzerk here, no thanx to the devil's cabbage in their crack pipes.

What credible evidence do you have that cannabis is the main cause of such behavior?

On 1/31/2026 at 6:17 AM, KhunHeineken said:

What credible evidence do you have that cannabis is the main cause of such behavior?

None at all.

Health Minister says many Thais have urges to climb walls like Spider Man and foreigners tend to run around naked more often. Sounds more like booze or LSD to me.

So they ban cannabis and people still run around naked and fall around talking incoherently.

What will they blame next?

It might just be my opinion, but cannabis has only attracted low-quality tourists. The shops are often run by foreigners who believe they're Pablo Escobar. It's just more garbage in a family resort. If the government gets rid of it, it'll be better for everyone.

6 hours ago, Texas ranger said:

Yes, it's just my stupid opinion.

Everything's fine in the land of smiles

correct, stupid opinion , The russian guy was murdered over debt, it says so clearly

  • Popular Post
12 hours ago, blaze master said:

None at all.

Some erratic behavior can be contributed to cannabis use, most likely mixed with alcohol, but blaming cannabis fuse or every bizarre incident in Thailand is a long bow to draw.

Now, how about all those drunk riders / drivers that kill themselves or innocent people, all across Thailand????

11 hours ago, Purdey said:

So they ban cannabis and people still run around naked and fall around talking incoherently.

What will they blame next?

Viagra. 🙂

  • Popular Post
8 hours ago, Texas ranger said:

It might just be my opinion, but cannabis has only attracted low-quality tourists.

You mean, like, Chinese and Indians? I don't see them buying cannabis in the shops. 🙂

8 hours ago, Texas ranger said:

The shops are often run by foreigners who believe they're Pablo Escobar.

The bars / brothels are often run by foreigners. What's your point?

8 hours ago, Texas ranger said:

It's just more garbage in a family resort.

Thailand, a family resort. Really? Thailand is "The World's Brothel."

8 hours ago, Texas ranger said:

If the government gets rid of it, it'll be better for everyone.

In what way would it be better for everyone?

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