The move comes despite the rapid growth of the domestic retail sector for marijuana, with tens of thousands of shops and businesses springing up in Thailand in the past two years in an industry projected to be worth up to $US1.2 billion ($1.8 billion) by 2025.
What does Thailand’s Prime Minister say?
“The ministry should quickly issue a rule to allow its usage for health and medical purposes only.”
When was it decriminalised?
Cannabis was decriminalised for medical use in 2018 and recreational use in 2022 under a previous government, but critics say its liberalisation was rushed through, causing huge confusion about rules and regulations.
Why will it be re-listed?
Srettha’s comments followed a meeting with agencies involved in narcotics suppression, where he vowed to take a tough stand on illicit drugs and ordered authorities to deliver results and show “clear progress” in the next 90 days.
Drugs is a problem that destroys the future of the country.
Srettha Thavisin
“Drugs is a problem that destroys the future of the country – many young people are addicted,” he said.
What will the change mean?
Srettha’s government had earlier said it wanted to push out a cannabis law by year-end that would ban recreational marijuana and allow its use for medical and health purposes only.
Are there any critics of the move?
“If cannabis is less harmful, they should list cigarettes and alcohol as narcotics too.”