In June 2022, cannabis was removed from the narcotics list and decriminalized in Thailand. Following this decriminalization, cannabis dispensaries have opened nationwide, numbering around 6,000. Concerns have been raised as both Thai citizens and international tourists are freely using cannabis.
In response to this situation, the Thai government has announced plans to promptly introduce a bill prohibiting the recreational use of cannabis. Chonlanan Srikaew, the Health Minister, stated that the new bill would amend existing legislation, permitting cannabis use solely for health and medical purposes.
During a live performance by the British rock band Coldplay in Bangkok, the entire venue reportedly smelled of marijuana. Attendees voiced complaints on social media, further increasing awareness and concern regarding recreational cannabis use.
The purpose of the new bill is to prohibit the recreational use of cannabis, while medical cannabis is expected to remain legal. Thailand has been an early adopter of medical cannabis legalization in the Asian region, becoming a prominent country for medical cannabis use. The legalization of medical cannabis has also boosted Thailand’s popularity as a destination for medical tourism, contributing positively to the country’s economy.