National —
On July 25th, 2024, the Network of Doctors, Academics, and Civil Society Against Drug Abuse released their analysis of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s cannabis policy.
The Thai Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin to reclassify cannabis as a type 5 narcotic on May 8th, 2024, restricting its use solely to medical and health purposes and citing the need to prioritize public interest.
However, on July 23rd, 2024, the Prime Minister shifted course, proposing a Cannabis Act to resolve coalition conflicts, maintaining its non-narcotic status and possibly permitting recreational use pending legislation.
The Network criticized the conflicting policies, noting the first policy aligned with the alleged majority’s preference for stricter controls, while the second appeased coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party but contradicted what they claim is widespread public sentiment.
To resolve these conflicts, the Network proposed what they claim is a middle-ground policy: Reclassify cannabis as a narcotic and expedite legislation to allow medical use only. They argue this approach would:
- Halt recreational use immediately while permitting medical applications.
- Reduce political and public conflicts.
- Maintain consistent national leadership.
- Prevent perceptions of bias towards coalition interests over public welfare.
- Avoid negative societal impacts from cannabis deregulation.
The Network urged the public to support policies prioritizing societal well-being over political interests. They encouraged the public to actively monitor the government’s actions, stay informed, and pressure the Prime Minister to adopt a balanced cannabis policy that serves what they claim is the greater good.
Furthermore, the Network emphasized that the involvement of informed citizens is crucial to prevent the normalization of recreational cannabis use, particularly among youth, and to ensure that policies are made with the public’s health and safety in mind.
