The chairman of the Police Committee is moving forward to shut down illegal cannabis shops, announcing coordination with police to conduct raids, vowing real arrests, real prosecutions, with no exceptions allowed.
On 5 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Watcharapong Kuvejitsuawan, Member of Parliament for Saraburi from the Bhumjaithai Party and chairman of the Police Committee of the House of Representatives, revealed the current cannabis policy direction. Having previously served as secretary to the Minister of Public Health during Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul's tenure, he said the party's original intention has always been clear: to push for benefits mainly in medical and economic fields, with no policy supporting recreational use.
Mr. Watcharapong said he agrees with the approach of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who aims to address social issues while protecting patients' rights. Currently, the Ministry of Public Health has proposed legislation to tighten and balance regulations covering medical, economic, and health aspects. Meanwhile, the Bhumjaithai Party has submitted a draft Medical Cannabis Act to parliament as a legal tool to control and prevent impacts on youth.
He added that he strongly supports the Prime Minister's view, as chairman of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), regarding government agencies whose work often shifts with changing ministers. He called on all agencies, including ONCB, to no longer operate to please ministers or governments but to decisively act based on facts and scientific evidence. If comprehensive studies show cannabis causes more harm than benefit or negatively impacts society, they must decisively reinstate it as a narcotic. All parties are ready to accept and follow accurate study results.
“I sincerely warn those who use cannabis outside of medical purposes or those illegally trading without proper licenses that the Police Committee will coordinate with police and relevant agencies to arrest and strictly enforce the law. This is to prevent widespread social harm that could create problems for children, youth, and affect family institutions.”