Bangkok: The government has reiterated its position that "cannabis is not freely available," underlining the Ministry of Public Health's strict regulations on cannabis flowers, which require a doctor's prescription for purchase and sale. According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Public Health has reinforced its strict control over cannabis flower bouquets, emphasizing that buying and selling these items necessitates a doctor's prescription.
Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted that while Thailand has specific laws regulating cannabis for medical and health use, it remains classified as a dangerous narcotic in some countries. The government stresses the importance of citizens and travelers adhering to the laws of each country to avoid violations. Additionally, the public is encouraged to report illegal cannabis sales or drug use causing public nuisance to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau hotline, available 24/7.
Ms. Ploytalay revealed that the government is intensifying control and surveillance of cannabis use under the Ministry of Public Health's Announcement on Controlled Herbal Medicine (Cannabis) B.E. 2568 (2025). This regulation designates cannabis flower buds as controlled herbal medicine, requiring a license for research, export, sale, or processing for commercial purposes. Sales to the general public are only allowed with a "prescription" from a qualified professional for medical purposes, valid for no more than 30 days. Sales for smoking on business premises, sales through vending machines, electronic channels, or computer networks, and advertising through all channels are prohibited.
Those involved in the illegal sale, processing, or export of cannabis flowers without a doctor's prescription face penalties under the Thai Traditional Medicine Protection and Promotion Act B.E. 2542 (1999), carrying a maximum penalty of imprisonment for one year or a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. Smuggling cannabis out of the country without customs procedures or attempting to evade inspection is punishable by law with imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine of four times the price of the goods, including duties, or both, as emphasized by Ms. Ploytalay.