Summary
Thailand is changing its cannabis laws after making the drug legal in 2022. New rules will require a doctor's prescription to use cannabis. The move aims to control smuggling and address concerns about the market being unregulated.
Key Facts
- Thailand legalized cannabis in 2022, leading to many shops selling the drug.
- The government plans to restrict cannabis use to people with a doctor's prescription.
- There are about 11,000 cannabis dispensaries in Thailand.
- Smuggling of Thai cannabis to the UK has increased, involving young travelers.
- In 2023, 142 couriers were caught with cannabis; this rose to 800 in 2024.
- In the UK, 173 people smuggling cannabis from Thailand have been sentenced in 2024.
- Thai authorities are intensifying airport inspections to combat smuggling.
- The lack of strict regulations in Thailand has been described as a loophole aiding smugglers.
