The Public Health Committee calls for closing the regulatory gap on cannabis. Sakolthee revealed a surge in illicit exports totaling 56 tons, raising concerns about Thailand's reputation. The committee is accelerating the drafting of a Cannabis and Hemp Control Act to be submitted for review alongside the Ministry of Public Health's bill, expected to enter parliament in January 2027.
On 16 July 2026 at 13:00, Sakolthee Phattiyakul, Chair of the Public Health Committee, held a press conference at the parliament regarding the situation and issues related to illicit cannabis exports abroad. Following a committee meeting, relevant agencies were invited to provide information on the problem, which has damaged Thailand's reputation and caused significant consequences. This is largely due to the absence of a genuine cannabis control law, with only Ministry of Public Health announcements currently regulating the matter.
Sakolthee added that the insufficient number of officials contributes to the problem. The Ministry of Public Health's Cannabis and Hemp Control Act draft is currently in the public consultation phase and is expected to be submitted to the legislature by January 2027 at the earliest. The Public Health Committee has established a subcommittee on general public health laws, which is reviewing the ministry's draft as its first agenda. They will invite relevant agencies to provide input to draft a complementary law for consideration alongside the ministry's bill.
“During fiscal year 2026, over 6,000 cannabis-related cases were seized, with evidence totaling approximately 56 tons. Compared to 2024, seized quantities have increased 16-fold. Most smuggling occurs via air freight and sea parcels, with the United Kingdom as the primary destination, followed by the Netherlands,” he said.
Sakolthee emphasized that although Customs has amended regulations concerning fines for cannabis seizures, these penalties do not match the profits gained from illicit exports abroad. It is alarming that despite large seizures, offenders receive only fines, and there is no extended investigation targeting related groups.
“The Public Health Committee has coordinated with Customs to gather data and will work with other relevant committees to systematically address the issue before cannabis control laws are enacted. The current impact has turned Thailand into a widespread source of cannabis proliferation, which is a serious concern. The Public Health Committee will continue to intensify efforts on this matter.”