National —
On June 18th, 2024, Ms. Treechada Srithada, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, announced new ministerial regulations concerning the legal possession limits of narcotics for personal use versus distribution, effective as of June 17th, 2024.
Treechada revealed that the regulations were signed by Thai Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin on June 17th. These updated rules specify the legal amounts of narcotics that can be possessed for personal consumption, as opposed to distribution.
Under the new regulations, individuals found with more than one pill of amphetamines or methamphetamine, or possessing a total net weight exceeding 100 milligrams, will be presumed guilty of intent to distribute unless proven otherwise. Those identified as addicts will be directed to rehabilitation programs.
This amendment addresses the negative impacts of previous regulations on Thai society. Local drug dealers had exploited a loophole in the former regulations, selling up to five pills to avoid arrest. The revised regulations aim to close this loophole and reduce the distribution of illicit substances.
Treechada emphasized the Thai government’s commitment to eradicating local and major drug dealers and ensuring a safe, drug-free society. Relevant agencies will enforce strict legal actions against violators, following the directives of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
