Thai Government Appears to Back Off Recriminalization of Cannabis as an Illegal Narcotic - The Pattaya News

Thai Government Appears to Back Off Recriminalization of Cannabis as an Illegal Narcotic

Kittisak PhalaharnTuesday, 23 July 2024, 17:37

National —

At 11:50 AM on July 23rd, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the media following a cabinet meeting about Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's discussion with Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin regarding the proposal of a reclassification of cannabis as an illegal narcotic.

Thai national media inquired of Anutin about his relationship with Somsak, Anutin said it was better for the Prime Minister to speak on the matter, indicating mutual understanding and mentioning the need for regulatory legislation for cannabis. Anutin appreciated the Prime Minister's consideration and decision to implement a specific law for cannabis control.

Anutin was referring to multiple reports that the Prime Minister had reportedly called for controlling cannabis via laws passed by a democratic process in the Parliament and Senate versus using ministerial regulations to make cannabis illegal again, which could have seen a return to imprisoning people for a small amount of marijuana. This followed a meeting with multiple senior Thai government leaders, such as Anutin, before the cabinet meeting today.

It also followed weeks of protests and hunger strikes by pro-cannabis protesters. They have also been calling for regulation, not recriminalization, of marijuana. They also released a response to the reported U-turn by the Thai Government which is further below. 

On whether Bhumjaithai Party's stance remained unchanged, Anutin confirmed it, expressing gratitude for the decision to enact legislation. He added that discussions would involve Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and others to draft the law, noting Bhumjaithai already had a draft bill ready.

Anutin denied any discussions about cannabis policy or any political topics with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom he recently met for a golf game in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima.

Meanwhile, the "Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future" network released a statement in response to the Prime Minister's directive for cannabis control:

1. The network emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive cannabis control law, urging the public to follow the legislative process as cannabis remains regulated but not classified as an illegal narcotic.
2. They pledged to continue their advocacy until the cannabis bill was approved by Parliament and enforced.
3. The network thanked the Prime Minister and all responsible parties for their consideration, and Bhumjaithai Party for steadfastly defending cannabis policy, ensuring its control under specific legislation.

The statement highlighted the collaborative effort across academic, political, and public sectors to establish a proper cannabis policy for Thailand.