Thai Deputy Prime Minister Optimistic About Future Of Cannabis Industry

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai (BJT) party leader Anutin Charnvirakulshared said Tuesday that he believes the new government would support the party's pro-cannabis policy, writes Bangkok Post.

“This new Democrat team isn’t the same [as the previous one], and I believe in Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on‘s team spirit and his apparently better understanding of the needs of the public,” Charnvirakul said.

In June, the Thai government decided to reverse its 2022 marijuana decriminalization decision by relisting parts of the cannabis plant as a narcotic, to go into effect January 1, 2025. While Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to allow legal the recreational use of marijuana, it has never been properly regulated, resulting in a proliferation of cannabis shops across the country. In July, however, Charnvirakul confirmed that then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin agreed that proper regulation is a better solution than the previously announced cannabis re-criminalization.

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In the meantime, Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Thavisin from office for appointing a minister with a criminal conviction and Paetongtarn Shinawatra was named the new prime minister. The Democrat Party also recently agreed to join the coalition government led by Phey Thai Party.

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On Wednesday, the BJT Party proposed six issues to Prime Minister and Pheu Thai Party for inclusion in government policies, among which is a cannabis regulation proposal, reported local outlet Naewna, according to translation. The cannabis-related proposal promotes research and development of Thai herbal medicines, including marijuana for medical and health purposes, creating economic value while mitigating social impacts. Under the proposal the law will be enacted with strict enforcement measures. Other issues include social order and public well-being, decentralizing fiscal authority, equal education at all levels, expansion and improvement of water supply, and solar power for households.

These policy issues were submitted to the ruling party for consideration as part of the government's policy platform to be presented to the Parliament.

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