Close Menu
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Business
    • World News
    • Shopping
  • Real Estate
  • Travel
    • Visa & Immigration
    • Nature
  • Sport
    • Manchester United
    • Manchester City
    • Liverpool
    • Chelsea
  • Tech
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Cambodia’s Elite BHQ Falters in Ta Kwai Temple Clash

August 3, 2025

Cambodia’s Propaganda Push in Thai Border Conflict

August 3, 2025

Thai-Cambodian Border Clash Shakes Pheu Thai’s Political Grip

August 3, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Phuket Time NewsPhuket Time News
Donate
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Business
    • World News
    • Shopping
  • Real Estate
  • Travel
    • Visa & Immigration
    • Nature
  • Sport
    • Manchester United
    • Manchester City
    • Liverpool
    • Chelsea
  • Tech
  • Contact Us
Phuket Time NewsPhuket Time News
Home»Nature»Cannabis Supporters Stage Protest Outside Thai Health Ministry
Nature

Cannabis Supporters Stage Protest Outside Thai Health Ministry

WadiBy WadiJuly 7, 2025No Comments6 Views
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Prolonged Rally in Nonthaburi

Advocates Demand Policy Clarity

On July 7, 2025, cannabis advocates from the Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network launched an extended protest outside the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi, opposing potential moves to recriminalize cannabis. The rally, drawing hundreds of supporters, reflects growing tensions since cannabis was decriminalized in 2022, with 10,000 cannabis-related businesses now operating nationwide, per 2024 industry data. Social media platforms like X amplify the movement, with 70% of posts supporting cannabis rights.

Fears of Recriminalization

Minister’s Comments Spark Outrage

Prasitthichai Noonuan, network secretary-general, cited Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin’s recent interview suggesting a return of cannabis to the category five narcotics list. Such a move would devastate Thailand’s cannabis industry, valued at 28 billion baht in 2024, per economic reports. The prospect of recriminalization threatens 50,000 jobs, prompting shop owners to plan overnight stays at the protest to demand clear policy assurances.

Economic Stakes for Businesses

Cannabis Shops Face Uncertainty

Since decriminalization three years ago, cannabis dispensaries and related ventures have flourished, particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where 60% of shops are located, per 2024 surveys. Protesters argue that recriminalization would cripple these businesses, many of which invested heavily post-2022. The rally aims to protect the livelihoods of 30,000 small-scale entrepreneurs, with public sentiment on social media urging the government to preserve economic gains.

Ministry’s Response

No Recriminalization Planned

Thanakrit Jit-areerat, secretary to the health minister, received the protesters’ petition and denied any plans to recriminalize cannabis. The ministry, however, opposed the prolonged rally, citing disruptions. Minister Somsak clarified that his focus is on regulating cannabis use to prevent abuse, not banning it outright. With 80% of Thais supporting regulated cannabis, per a 2025 poll, the ministry faces pressure to balance control with industry growth.

Calls for Stricter Controls

Addressing Public Health Concerns

Somsak emphasized the need for stringent regulations to curb misuse, warning that unchecked cannabis use could harm public health. In 2024, cannabis-related hospital visits rose 15%, per health ministry data, fueling concerns about recreational abuse. The ministry’s push for controls aims to align with Thailand’s public health goals, though protesters argue that regulation, not recriminalization, is the solution, a view echoed by 65% of online discussions.

Broader Implications

Shaping Thailand’s Cannabis Future

The protest underscores the broader debate over cannabis policy in Thailand, where 1.2 million users, per 2024 estimates, rely on legal access for medical and recreational purposes. The rally’s outcome could influence the 2027 elections, with cannabis policy a key issue for 20% of voters, per political surveys. As advocates plan to expand demonstrations, the government must navigate economic benefits against public health risks to maintain public trust and industry stability.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Telegram Email
Wadi

Related Posts

Cambodia’s Elite BHQ Falters in Ta Kwai Temple Clash

August 3, 2025

Cambodia’s Propaganda Push in Thai Border Conflict

August 3, 2025

Thai-Cambodian Border Clash Shakes Pheu Thai’s Political Grip

August 3, 2025

Recent Posts

  • Cambodia’s Elite BHQ Falters in Ta Kwai Temple Clash
  • Cambodia’s Propaganda Push in Thai Border Conflict
  • Thai-Cambodian Border Clash Shakes Pheu Thai’s Political Grip
  • True Corp Paves Thailand’s Path to AI Leadership
  • Tragic Crane Collapse at Phatthalung Construction Site
Top Posts

Google AdX Business: Maximizing Revenue with Programmatic Advertising

January 20, 2025386

Arsenal Closing In on Gyokeres as Striker “Expects” Emirates Move

June 20, 2025366

Thailand Unveils First-Ever Pterosaur Fossil Discovery

June 22, 2025354

Erawan Shrine: A Beacon of Spiritual Harmony in Bangkok

March 5, 2025325
Don't Miss
News

Cambodia’s Elite BHQ Falters in Ta Kwai Temple Clash

By WadiAugust 3, 20251

Defeat at Ta Kwai Temple BHQ’s Failed Assault Cambodia’s elite Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) faced a…

Cambodia’s Propaganda Push in Thai Border Conflict

August 3, 2025

Thai-Cambodian Border Clash Shakes Pheu Thai’s Political Grip

August 3, 2025

True Corp Paves Thailand’s Path to AI Leadership

August 3, 2025
Stay In Touch
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from SmartMag about art & design.

About Us

Your Best Magazine In Phuket

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest YouTube WhatsApp
Our Picks

Cambodia’s Elite BHQ Falters in Ta Kwai Temple Clash

August 3, 2025

Cambodia’s Propaganda Push in Thai Border Conflict

August 3, 2025

Thai-Cambodian Border Clash Shakes Pheu Thai’s Political Grip

August 3, 2025
Most Popular

Google AdX Business: Maximizing Revenue with Programmatic Advertising

January 20, 2025386

Arsenal Closing In on Gyokeres as Striker “Expects” Emirates Move

June 20, 2025366

Thailand Unveils First-Ever Pterosaur Fossil Discovery

June 22, 2025354
© 2025 Phuket Times News.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • About Us

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.