Thailand may make cannabis illegal again, ready to reverse course after just four years

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is ready to outlaw cannabis, a significant backtrack from the 2022 decision to decriminalize the substance. This move comes as Thailand faces international scrutiny, with drug seizures in Europe and Indonesia linked to shipments originating from the country.

Recent incidents include German customs intercepting 1.2 tons of cannabis hidden in construction materials and Indonesian authorities seizing 3.4 tons destined for Bali. British citizens have also reportedly been arrested with cannabis after being offered "free holidays" in Thailand as payment for acting as couriers. The British Embassy in Thailand has reiterated warnings to its citizens against carrying cannabis or packages for others.

"We must figure out what to do to avoid other countries blaming Thailand for being the weak link," Charnvirakul stated, acknowledging the country's international reputation. He indicated a willingness to "close" the cannabis industry if authorities determine it causes more harm than good, according to the South China Morning Post.

The 2022 decriminalization aimed to boost the economy and tourism post-pandemic, leading hundreds of thousands of farmers to cultivate marijuana. However, the policy, which allowed medical use and home cultivation for personal use, had a loophole that permitted recreational sales. This led to increased abuse and crime, prompting earlier attempts by the government to tighten regulations by requiring licenses for sellers and prescriptions for buyers.

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We must figure out what to do to avoid other countries blaming Thailand for being the weak link.