The opposition made cannabis a wedge issue in last year’s elections, and having stepped into power, nearly backtracked on the reforms that made the Thai kingdom a pioneer in Southeast Asia.

Members of a pro-cannabis group gather at the Public Health Ministry to oppose the Thai government's plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic, in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, on May 16, 2024.

Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, in a move that boosted Thailand’s tourism and farming, and spawned thousands of shops.

Chokwan Chopaka, a Thai cannabis activist who leads Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network—a group of users, business owners, and producers of the plant—said they plan to protest the order.

Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka, a well-known cannabis activist in Thailand, says the new medical bill could see a 90% drop in licensed cannabis shops in Thailand. "I understand what the government is doing.

Different cannabis strains are displayed in a shop in Phuket, Thailand, on Aug. 24, 2023. Thailand plans to relist cannabis as a narcotic and issue permits only to those who grow and use it for ...

Cannabis use among Thais aged 18 to 65 has increased tenfold in recent years, according to Thailand's Center for Addiction Studies, from 2.3% in 2019 to 25% in 2022.

BANGKOK — Thailand has started banning the sale of cannabis to those without a prescription, three years after becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize the plant.

When Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, it sparked a major tourism boom – and a domestic industry now worth $1 billion. But now, the government is ...

Cannabis activists and entrepreneurs, hold cannabis plant as they march to Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, July 8, 2024. Two years after marijuana was decriminalized in Thailand ...

Marijuana for sale at a cannabis store along Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 23, 2025. Credit - Chanakarn Laosarakham—AFP/Getty Images In 2022, Thailand bucked a trend in Asia.

Marijuana for sale at a cannabis store along Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 23, 2025. Credit - Chanakarn Laosarakham—AFP/Getty Images In 2022, Thailand bucked a trend in Asia.