Despite a recent legal upheaval making the recreational use of cannabis illegal in Thailand once again, the nascent industry may be seeing a revival due to the appointment of a new leader in the country.
Anutin Charnvirakul, an advocate largely credited for championing decriminalization measures implemented in 2022, is now the nation’s Prime Minister. He took office on Sept. 7 after days of political turmoil in Bangkok.
The 58-year-old politician was serving as Thailand’s minister of health when the ASEAN member state became the first nation in all of Asia to lift restrictions on the use of marijuana.
This move by the government after his successful campaign was intended to promote medical cannabis use, address prison overcrowding and stimulate the economy. As a result however, a largely unregulated industry exploded throughout the country. It drew criticism for its lack of oversight, ease of access among youth and shipments leaving to cross international borders illegally.
Nonetheless, Charnvirakul continues to advocate for regulation over recriminalization. He argues that the plant has valuable medical benefits and stimulates economic growth.
“Thailand is actually the world’s most suitable location to grow quality cannabis,” the Thai leader said in 2023. “We have so much knowledge from traditional medicine in Thailand and the use of cannabis extractions can cure so many illnesses and alleviate symptoms.”
Read more: Thai cannabis advocates plan rally against imminent re-criminalization
Thousands of pot shops left hanging
The US$1.2-billion-dollar industry has waned since the plant lost its status as an acceptable product for the masses to consume in June. It appears that frustration felt by many of the 11,000+ pot shop owners may only be temporary though.
The news follows Thailand’s previous Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, being removed from office over her controversial handling of the border dispute with Cambodia.
Since 2022, Thailand has become a haven for cannabis tourists and festivals. But currently, smoking or ingesting cannabinoid goods within its borders requires a prescription and buds are considered to be a controlled herb.
Selling marijuana could get you a fine of up to 20,000 baht, equivalent to about US$625.
Thailand’s so-called Weed Wild West is not as lively as it has been over the past few years at the moment.
BREAKING NEWS. THAILAND's #cannabis champion Anutin Charnvirakul elected PM! #drugspolicy pic.twitter.com/hCxHRp8sKR
— CLEAR Drugs Policy Reform (@CLEARdrugpolicy) September 5, 2025
Read more: Thai cannabis advocates plan rally against imminent re-criminalization
Read more: Canadian cannabis industry added C$16B to nation’s GDP last year
Follow Rowan Dunne on LinkedIn
rowan@mugglehead.com
