Protesters intend to maintain a demonstration persistently in front of the Health Ministry, advocating for legalization of cannabis.
In the Nonthaburi province of Thailand, a group of cannabis advocates have been protesting outside the Public Health Ministry, voicing their opposition to the potential recriminalization of cannabis. The demonstration, which started on Monday, is being led by members of the Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network.
The protest is a response to perceived moves by the government to revert the country's cannabis policies. As of late June 2025, Thailand has reinstated strict regulations that restrict cannabis use exclusively to medical purposes, marking a departure from the 2022 decriminalization that allowed recreational use.
The current cannabis control regime tightly limits cannabis to medical use with strict licensing, prescription, and sales regulations. Cannabis flowers are now classified as controlled herbs, and can only be purchased with a prescription from a licensed medical professional, including traditional folk healers. The prescription stipulates the treatment amount and limits medical cannabis use to a maximum of 30 days per prescription.
These changes were likely influenced by concerns over increased cannabis smuggling and the withdrawal of the political party that initially championed legalization. The current ruling coalition, led by the Pheu Thai party, had campaigned on restricting cannabis to medical use only, fulfilling their election promise with these new policies.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin made comments last week that imply cannabis could be recriminalised, but Thanakrit Jit-areerat, secretary to the health minister, stated there is no plan to recriminalise cannabis. Health Minister Somsak is only trying to control cannabis use at this stage.
The cannabis network, however, plans to maintain a prolonged stay at the ministry, despite objections. The network's secretary-general, Prasitchai Nunuan, has stated that without strict controls, cannabis could cause problems for the public. The demonstrators plan to stay overnight outside the health ministry and cannabis shop owners are expected to join the demonstration.
For tourists and the public, this means that recreational cannabis use is once again criminalized and heavily regulated. Purchasing or using cannabis without a prescription is prohibited. Official government updates can be followed through Thailand's public relations channels for ongoing compliance information.
Recriminalisation of cannabis could seriously affect many related businesses. The cannabis businesses started following the decriminalisation of cannabis three years ago, and the potential recriminalization could disrupt their operations.
The event is ongoing, with no specified new date given. The ministry does not allow the demonstrators to prolong the rally. The protest is still taking place in Nonthaburi province, Thailand.
The protest initiated by the Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network, lasting since Monday, expands beyond the opposition to potential recriminalization of cannabis – it also encompasses concerns about the impact of stricter regulations on health-and-wellness, particularly mental-health, as the restricted use of cannabis could limit access to its therapeutic potential.
Cannabis advocates and business owners throughout Thailand, fearing the serious implications of recriminalization for their operations, have demonstrated their commitment to prolonging the struggle and maintaining a presence outside the Public Health Ministry.
