Latest news with #SomsakThepsutin
Time Out
28-05-2025
- Health
- Time Out
High and dry? Thailand's cannabis scene faces prescription rewrite
It's been almost three years since Thailand legalised marijuana and in that time, weed cafes have popped up everywhere, especially around nightlife hotspots. For some, the scent of the herb is an open invitation, but for others, it's less welcome. As the buzz grows louder, so does the debate. Since legalisation, a few downsides have surfaced, mainly because clear rules haven't quite kept up. Unregulated edibles have hit the market without proper quality checks, public marijuana smoking has led to complaints and there's been a reported increase in minor crimes connected to unregulated cannabis use. On top of all this, enforcing age restrictions has presented its own challenge. Now, a shift is on the horizon as Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin calls for new regulations to roll back recreational use and crack down on abuses. At a press conference on May 21, the Public Health Minister said cannabis users in Thailand might soon need to show a medical certificate from a licensed doctor or traditional Thai medicine practitioner to prove they're using it for health reasons. This rule would apply to both locals and visitors. Under the latest proposal, Mr Somsak has asked the Ministry of Public Health to draft new regulations within 40 days. This plan is also supported by Dr Somlerk Jeungsmarn, director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, who explained at a press conference that medical certificates might soon be required to prove users suffer from conditions such as seizures, headaches, pain or insomnia. There could also be limits on usage, such as a permitted dosage for one month. Using cannabis beyond that period would no longer be considered medical and could lead to prosecution. Regarding penalties, he mentioned that imprisonment is being considered. The journey toward legalising marijuana in Thailand began on June 9, 2022, when the country officially removed the entire cannabis plant including its flowers and leaves, but excluding extracts with high THC content from its category five narcotics list. This change decriminalised cultivation, possession and consumption. The move was motivated by hopes of boosting pot tourism and developing a new industry around cannabis-based products, ranging from medical and herbal remedies to food and cosmetics. However, a comprehensive law to regulate recreational use has been under ongoing debate and development ever since. On the other hand, the news hasn't gone down well with cannabis advocates. Many have expressed disappointment over the plan. It's still unclear whether the new rule will pass through parliament, but one thing's certain is that change is coming for weed in Thailand. Some people might benefit, while others could face more challenges. What do you think? Will this new regulation do the country any good?
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Thailand vows tighter controls of cannabis as smuggling cases among tourists soar
Officials in Thailand have said they plan to tighten regulations on cannabis sales after cases of tourists attempting to smuggle the drug out of the country soared in recent months. Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, which has boosted Thailand's tourism and farming and spawned thousands of shops. But it's also facing a public backlash over allegations that under-regulation has made the drug available to children and caused addiction. The ruling Pheu Thai Party has promised to criminalise cannabis again but has faced strong resistance from its partner in the coalition government which supported the decriminalisation. Thailand's Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said at a press conference that officials are aiming to roll out new regulations in the coming weeks that will tighten control on the sale of cannabis, including requiring shops to sell cannabis only to customers who have a prescription. He emphasised that it is against Thai law to bring cannabis out of the country without permission from the authorities. Airport officials said they have tightened inspections to detect smuggling attempts, adding that most people found with cannabis in their luggage are foreigners, especially Indian and British nationals. Last week two young British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka for alleged attempts to smuggle cannabis after they flew there from Thailand, according to UK media. The British government said a joint operation with Thailand in February resulted in over two tonnes of cannabis seized from air passengers. It said that since July last year, over 50 British nationals had been arrested in Thailand for attempting to smuggle cannabis out of the country. It also said there was a dramatic increase in the amount of cannabis sent to the UK from Thailand by post since the decriminalisation in 2022. In March immigration authorities and police said 22 suitcases filled with a total of 375 kilograms of cannabis were seized and 13 foreigners, most of them British, were arrested at the international airport on Samui Island. Thai officials said the suspects were hired to travel to Thailand as tourists then travelled to Samui, a popular tourist destination, where they would wait at the arranged accommodation to receive the suitcases with cannabis. They would then be instructed to travel from Samui to Singapore and from there back to the UK, where they would be paid £2,000 (€2,369) upon completing the job.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Thailand may soon require doctor's note for buying cannabis to curb recreational use
Thai and foreign nationals would be required to show a medical certificate to buy cannabis legally, the latest move by the Southeast Asian country to regulate the use of the drug three years after decriminalising it. Somsak Thepsutin, public health minister of Thailand, said he would issue stricter regulations for cannabis use within 40 days. Thailand became the first Asian country in 2022 to decriminalise cannabis, a decision that initially boosted agriculture and tourism. The legislation didn't govern the sale, production or use of the drug, however, sparking criticism that it was fueling addiction and underage use as cannabis shops proliferated across the country. 'I will improve regulations on cannabis use in Thailand,' Mr Somsak said at a press conference in Bangkok. 'For example, cannabis smokers may have to show medical certificates. Foreign and Thai cannabis users must have medical certificates. We'll order government organisations to keep enforcing the law and not to allow any problems to develop.' Somruek Chungsaman, heads of the health ministry's department of traditional and alternative medicine, said the medical certificates requirement would ensure cannabis was used for medical purposes and not recreationally. 'Anyone who wants to buy cannabis flowers to smoke, Thai or foreign, must have a doctor's prescription for medical use," he told Reuters. 'We don't want people saying they came to Thailand just to smoke cannabis. That gives a negative impression." Marijuana advocates, however, argue the latest requirement for a doctor's note is unnecessary, claiming that cannabis use is already declining following an initial surge. The health minister had previously said recreational use of marijuana would be banned by the end of last year, but no curbs were placed on the industry, estimated to be worth more than $1bn annually. Authorities have thus far implemented piecemeal regulations banning cannabis in schools and requiring retailers to clearly label cannabis-infused foods and beverages. The health ministry is drafting a comprehensive cannabis law, which must secure cabinet approval before it is presented to the parliament for debate. Airport authorities have intensified inspections to combat smuggling. They have reported that most intercepted cannabis is carried by foreign nationals, predominantly Britons and Indians. Last week, two young British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka for allegedly trying to smuggle cannabis from Thailand, according to the British media. The British government said a joint operation with Thailand in February resulted in more than two tonnes of cannabis being seized from air passengers. It said since July last year, over 50 British nationals had been arrested in Thailand for attempting to smuggle cannabis. It also reported a dramatic increase in the amount of cannabis sent to the UK from Thailand by post since the drug was decriminalised in 2022. In March, immigration authorities and police said 22 suitcases filled with a total of 375kg cannabis were seized, and 13 foreigners, most of them British, were arrested at the international airport on the Samui island.
Japan Today
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
Thailand vows to tighten control on cannabis after smuggling cases involving tourists soar
FILE - Police stand guard as cannabis activists and entrepreneurs, holding cannabis plant gather in front of Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, July 8, 2024. Two years after marijuana was decriminalized in Thailand, nearly a hundred of its advocates marched to the prime minister's office Monday to protest a possible ban on general use. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File) Thai officials on Wednesday said they planned to tighten regulations on cannabis sales after cases of tourists attempting to smuggle the drug out of the country soared in recent months. Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, which has boosted Thailand's tourism and farming and spawned thousands of shops. But it's facing public backlash over allegations that under-regulation has made the drug available to children and caused addiction. The ruling Pheu Thai Party has promised to criminalize the drugs again, but faced strong resistance from its partner in the coalition government which supported the decriminalization. Thailand's Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said at a press conference that officials are aiming to roll out new regulations in coming weeks that will tighten control on the sale of cannabis, including requiring shops to sell cannabis only to customers who have a prescription. He emphasized that it is against Thai law to bring cannabis out of the country without permission from the authorities. Airport officials said they have tightened inspections to detect smuggling attempts, adding that most people found with cannabis in their luggage are foreigners, especially Indian and British nationals. Last week two young British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka for alleged attempts to smuggle cannabis after they flew there from Thailand, according to the British media. Britain's government said a joint operation with Thailand in February resulted in over 2 tons of cannabis seized from air passengers. It said that since July last year, over 50 British nationals had been arrested in Thailand for attempting to smuggle cannabis. It also said there was a dramatic increase in the amount of cannabis sent to the UK from Thailand by post since the decriminalization in 2022. In March immigration authorities and police said 22 suitcases filled with a total of 375 kilograms of cannabis were seized, and 13 foreigners, most of them British, were arrested at the international airport on the Samui Island. Thai officials said the suspects were hired to travel to Thailand as tourists then traveled to Samui, a popular tourist destination, where they would wait at the arranged accommodation to receive the suitcases with cannabis. They would then be instructed to travel from Samui to Singapore, and then from Singapore back to the UK, where they would be paid 2,000 pounds ($2,682) upon completing the job. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Euronews
21-05-2025
- Euronews
Thailand vows to tighten control of cannabis as smuggling cases soar
Officials in Thailand have said they plan to tighten regulations on cannabis sales after cases of tourists attempting to smuggle the drug out of the country soared in recent months. Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, which has boosted Thailand's tourism and farming and spawned thousands of shops. But it's also facing a public backlash over allegations that under-regulation has made the drug available to children and caused addiction. The ruling Pheu Thai Party has promised to criminalise cannabis again but has faced strong resistance from its partner in the coalition government which supported the decriminalisation. Thailand's Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said at a press conference that officials are aiming to roll out new regulations in the coming weeks that will tighten control on the sale of cannabis, including requiring shops to sell cannabis only to customers who have a prescription. He emphasised that it is against Thai law to bring cannabis out of the country without permission from the authorities. Airport officials said they have tightened inspections to detect smuggling attempts, adding that most people found with cannabis in their luggage are foreigners, especially Indian and British nationals. Last week two young British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka for alleged attempts to smuggle cannabis after they flew there from Thailand, according to UK media. The British government said a joint operation with Thailand in February resulted in over two tonnes of cannabis seized from air passengers. It said that since July last year, over 50 British nationals had been arrested in Thailand for attempting to smuggle cannabis out of the country. It also said there was a dramatic increase in the amount of cannabis sent to the UK from Thailand by post since the decriminalisation in 2022. In March immigration authorities and police said 22 suitcases filled with a total of 375 kilograms of cannabis were seized and 13 foreigners, most of them British, were arrested at the international airport on Samui Island. Thai officials said the suspects were hired to travel to Thailand as tourists then travelled to Samui, a popular tourist destination, where they would wait at the arranged accommodation to receive the suitcases with cannabis. They would then be instructed to travel from Samui to Singapore and from there back to the UK, where they would be paid £2,000 (€2,369) upon completing the job. From Monday to Wednesday, Uzbekistan's historic city of Termez will host the inaugural meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia, bringing together a wide and diverse range of participants from nearly every part of the world. Focusing on 'Building a Common Space of Peace, Friendship, and Prosperity," it will include representatives of foreign ministries, chambers of commerce and industry, heads of international and regional organisations, as well as distinguished scholars and policy experts from leading research institutions and think tanks. It is essential to highlight that the Termez Dialogue is not an isolated initiative. Rather, it is a natural and strategic continuation of Uzbekistan's long-term efforts to deepen the connectivity between Central and South Asia. In July 2021, at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan hosted the High-Level International Conference 'Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity – Challenges and Opportunities.' A year later, building on the momentum of that conference, Uzbekistan led the adoption of a special resolution by the United Nations General Assembly titled 'Strengthening Connectivity between Central and South Asia.' This resolution laid the conceptual groundwork for enhanced engagement and cooperation between the two regions. The forum in Termez serves as the practical embodiment of that resolution. It is designed to become a standing platform for dialogue — one that will define future pathways for interregional integration, and contribute to the maintenance of peace, security, and long-term stability across the vast Eurasian space. The high level of participants and the multilateral format of the Termez Dialogue are clear indicators of its global relevance and timeliness. Notable guests include Roza Otunbayeva, Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Kakha Imnadze, Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and Sabina Machl, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uzbekistan. Senior officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, and other major international bodies will also participate. In addition, the Forum will feature experts from some of the world's most respected think tanks, including the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), the Central Asia and Caucasus Institute (US), the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (Finland), the Berghof Foundation (Germany), the Indian Council of World Affairs, the Observer Research Foundation (India), the Pakistan Institute for Strategic Studies, and the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, among others. In a world increasingly marked by fragmentation and crises, fostering connectivity, cooperation, mutual trust, and open, constructive dialogue is not merely idealistic — it is essential. Strengthening regional linkages creates a foundation for identifying mutually acceptable solutions to shared challenges and enhances our collective ability to counter threats and disruptions. Hosting the forum in Termez is especially symbolic. Situated at the confluence of Central and South Asia, Termez occupies a critical node of interregional connectivity. For centuries, Termez has served as a crossroads of civilisations and a centre for intercultural, interfaith, and cross-border dialogue. The traditions of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam all took root and flourished in this city. It was once a meeting point of ancient empires, including the Greco-Bactrian and Kushan kingdoms. Under the rule of the Temurid dynasty, Termez reached its zenith as a center of administration, trade, and scientific inquiry. Thanks to its strategic location, Termez historically secured its status as a vital transit hub. Long before the Silk Road became famous, the ancient northern trade route known as Uttarapatha connected India with Central Asia, passing directly through Termez. The city played a critical role in safeguarding the main crossing over the Amu Darya River, supporting countless caravans, and emerging as a thriving regional trade centre. Today, Termez is undergoing a remarkable period of modernisation, reclaiming its historical role as a bridge between Central and South Asia. It now proudly serves as the southern gateway of Uzbekistan. Year by year, new infrastructure projects transform the city, creating favourable conditions for strengthening regional connectivity. For example, last year, the 36-hectare Airtom International Trade Center was opened in Termez. Citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan can stay visa-free for up to 15 days in the centre. The complex houses production facilities, retail shops, restaurants, hotels, clinics, and advanced training centres. This project plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and the export of industrial and consumer goods produced by businesses in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. The Termez-Cargo Centre, an international multifunctional transport and logistics hub, also plays a critical humanitarian role. It serves as a key intermediary for the delivery of international aid, not only to Afghanistan but also to Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan. Since 2021, over 144,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid — including essential food supplies such as flour and grain, medicines, tents, solar lamps, and other necessities — have been dispatched through this hub. The agenda of the Termez Dialogue addresses a wide range of topics, from trade and economic cooperation to cultural and humanitarian collaboration, as well as pressing issues of regional security. At the heart of these discussions is the economic agenda, which remains the cornerstone and driving force behind cooperation between Central and South Asia. The growing interest in South Asia is no coincidence—it is the fastest-growing region in the world. In 2024, South Asia's GDP reached $4.9 trillion, accounting for approximately 4.5% of global output. If the current pace of economic development continues, South Asia is well-positioned to take a leading role in shaping Asia's economic future. According to the Boao Forum for Asia's Economic Outlook and Integration Progress in Asia – 2025, South Asia's economy is projected to grow by 5.9% this year, outpacing Western Asia (2.9%), Eastern Asia (4.3%), and even Central Asia (5%). Yet, despite this proximity and immense economic potential, trade between Central and South Asia remains modest. Annual trade turnover stands at just $5 billion — a fraction of the $55 billion in trade between Central Asia and the much more distant European Union. To unlock the full potential of this relationship, it is crucial to simplify trade procedures, establish diversified and efficient transport corridors, and expand regional energy infrastructure. Attracting mutual investments for major infrastructure projects, developing the digital economy, and fostering innovation will also play a vital role. Expanding trade and economic ties depend directly on improving transportation connectivity. However, current transport and logistics routes between Central and South Asia remain underdeveloped, and existing infrastructure cannot support the growing demand for cross-border trade. This remains a significant obstacle to deeper economic ties. For the landlocked nations of Central Asia, diversifying trade and transport routes is a strategic imperative. Creating new pathways will provide a powerful boost to regional economic growth. In this context, the timely implementation of the Trans-Afghan Corridor has become a top priority. This project holds strategic importance not only for Central Asia but also for South Asia. Once completed, it will offer the shortest access to the seaports of the Indian Ocean, connecting South Asia with the markets of Central Asia, Russia, China, and Europe. Encouragingly, trade volumes through this corridor are already on the rise. Between 2021 and 2024, the volume of cargo transported along the Trans-Afghan Corridor — with Uzbekistan's active participation — more than doubled, growing from 1.8 million tonnes to 4 million tonnes. In this way, strengthening connectivity will create a true win-win scenario. Most importantly, it will provide a powerful impetus for building a unified regional space, laying the foundation for lasting peace, sustainable development, and long-term stability across the region. All nations stand to benefit from this shared vision. In this spirit, the Termez Dialogue will offer a new paradigm for relations between Central and South Asia — one built not on conflict and confrontation, but on the principles of cooperation and shared prosperity. It is expected that the Termez Dialogue will conclude with the adoption of a joint communiqué, reaffirming the shared commitment of all participants to strengthen trust and cooperation for the collective good of Central and South Asia. Dr Eldor Aripov is the First Deputy Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan and Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
