To address concerns regarding misuse by foreign tourists, the Public Health Ministry released ten guidelines last month for travelers on marijuana usage in Thailand. These guidelines outline the conditions for purchasing and growing cannabis and warn of potential consequences for smoking marijuana in public, including imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of 25,000 baht ($740).
Although Thailand removed medical marijuana from its list of banned narcotics in June and legalized it for medical and culinary purposes, recreational use remains prohibited. However, the existing laws have struggled to manage the widespread use of marijuana.
Anutin Charnvirakul, the public health minister who advocated for decriminalization, stated that weed dispensaries are not allowed to display signage advertising their products. Despite this declaration, some shops in Bangkok continue to feature signs with cannabis leaves. Additionally, certain sellers provide purchasers with information about nearby smoking areas.
The Ministry of Health reported a fourfold increase in the average monthly cases involving impaired consciousness and other marijuana-related issues since legalization.
The regulation of marijuana has caused tensions within Thailand's ruling coalition. While the Bhumjaithai Party supported decriminalization, a bill aimed at tightening control over marijuana failed to pass in September due to opposition from the Democrat Party, a coalition member, which perceived it as having too many loopholes. As the elections approach, relations between the two parties are becoming strained.
