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DW
7 days ago
- Business
- DW
Thailand set to U-turn on recreational cannabis use – DW – 05/29/2025
Thailand is moving to restrict cannabis to medical use only. What will the new rules mean for its booming weed industry? Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022. However, it did so without a comprehensive law regulating its sale, production or use. Since then, tens of thousands of licensed dispensaries and retailers selling cannabis and cannabis extracts opened across the country, particularly in tourist hotspots. Three years later, Thailand is planning to tighten the control of marijuana use, ensuring that cannabis is only used for medicinal purposes and not recreationally. Under a new medical bill expected to be announced in the next few weeks, dispensaries will be allowed to sell cannabis only to other licensed shops or to customers with a prescription from a medical professional. Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka, a well-known cannabis activist in Thailand, says the new medical bill could see a 90% drop in licensed cannabis shops in Thailand. "I understand what the government is doing. I don't agree with it," she told DW. "I feel the ones that are going to be left are the bigger shops, who actually have that war chest and they will serve the tourists, and the locals will probably grow their own, because getting a doctor's note is going to be too much of an issue." "[There will be] probably only 1,000 dispensaries left," Kitty added. What issues has Thailand faced? The government had hoped that decriminalizing cannabis would turn it into a kind of cash crop for Thailand, boosting its tourism and agriculture sectors, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimating it could be worth $1.2 billion (€1.06 billion) annually. Cannabis dispensaries in Thailand provide a steady source of income Image: Tommy Walker But the lack of a law governing its use created a loophole which has seen a rise in recreational use, illegal distribution and a saturated market. The free use of cannabis has also seen some backlash from activist groups who have protested against its legalization. Tighter regulations for the use of cannabis also come at a time when tourists have been warned about taking cannabis products out of Thailand. In recent weeks, two British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka, respectively, for allegedly smuggling cannabis. Marijuana that has been smuggled out of Thailand also prompts concerns from Thai officials over how easily and in what quantities cannabis can be purchased today. Thailand's uncertain cannabis future Gloria Lai, Asia Regional Director for the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), said the decision for a new bill seems rushed. "The health minister's announcement appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to concerns about people smuggling cannabis out of Thailand, and it is questionable whether the proposal to restrict the buying and selling of cannabis to medical prescription only will solve that concern," she told DW. "Given the proposal of legislation to regulate cannabis in a more comprehensive manner, it seems more useful to initiate inclusive consultations on those proposals — while allowing reasonable timeframes for inputs from communities impacted by proposed cannabis regulations — rather than rapidly introducing new rules that risk causing greater confusion." Thailand mulls banning recreational cannabis again To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Rattapon Sanrak, founder and president of the Highland Network, a cannabis organization in Thailand, said the new cannabis bill poses potential problems for the industry. "Sudden enforcement could cause chaos," he told DW. "If the law takes effect right away, businesses, the public and officials will not have time to learn the new rules or adjust their work. Changing everything overnight is not realistic." But Rattapon believes there is still uncertainty over how long-lasting the new rule will be. "This bill comes as a ministerial regulation, decided by a single minister. If the minister changes, the rules can flip again. That is risky for an industry that involves huge investments and thousands of jobs. Passing a full Act of Parliament would give the rules a stable, democratic foundation and protect everyone who has invested time and money in the cannabis industry," he added. Confusion over the future of cannabis in Thailand has been ever-present since Thailand's Food and Drug Administration officially delisted cannabis from the narcotics list in June 2022. Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party had initially pushed for cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic. But in 2023, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters at the UN General Assembly in New York that cannabis would be only allowed for medical purposes. Pressure from Thailand's government coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, whose flagship policy was to decriminalize cannabis, has pushed for the plant to remain legal. The new bill is expected to be a temporary measure before Thailand announces a comprehensive cannabis act to fully regulate the use, production and export of the plant. This is expected to be announced in two years. Edited by: Keith Walker
DW
29-05-2025
- Business
- DW
Thailand set to restrict recreational cannabis use – DW – 05/29/2025
Thailand is moving to restrict cannabis to medical use only — but what will the new rules mean for its booming weed industry? Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022, however, it did so without a comprehensive law regulating its sale, production or use. Since then, tens of thousands of licensed dispensaries and retailers selling cannabis and cannabis extracts opened across the country, particularly in tourist hotspots. Three years later, Thailand is planning to tighten the control of marijuana use, ensuring that cannabis is only used for medicinal purposes and not recreationally. Under a new medical bill expected to be announced in the next few weeks, dispensaries will be allowed to sell cannabis only to other licensed shops or to customers with a prescription from a medical professional. Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka, a well-known cannabis activist in Thailand, says the new medical bill could see a 90% drop in licensed cannabis shops in Thailand. "I understand what the government is doing. I don't agree with it," she told DW. "I feel the ones that are going to be left are the bigger shops, who actually have that war chest and they will serve the tourists, and the locals will probably grow their own, because getting a doctor's note is going to be too much of an issue." "[There will be] probably only 1,000 dispensaries left," Kitty added. What issues has Thailand faced? The government had hoped that decriminalizing cannabis would turn it into a kind of cash crop for Thailand, boosting its tourism and agriculture sectors, with the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimating it could be worth $1.2 billion (€1.06 billion) annually. Cannabis dispensaries in Thailand provide a steady source of income Image: Tommy Walker But the lack of a law governing its use created a loophole which has seen a rise in recreational use, illegal distribution and a saturated market. The free use of cannabis has also seen some backlash from activist groups who have protested against its legalization. Tighter regulations for the use of cannabis also come at a time when tourists have been warned about taking cannabis products out of Thailand. In recent weeks, two British women were arrested in Georgia and Sri Lanka, respectively, for allegedly smuggling cannabis. Marijuana that has been smuggled out of Thailand also prompts concerns from Thai officials over how easily and in what quantities cannabis can be purchased today. Thailand's uncertain cannabis future Gloria Lai, Asia Regional Director for the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), said the decision for a new bill seems rushed. "The health minister's announcement appears to be a knee-jerk reaction to concerns about people smuggling cannabis out of Thailand, and it is questionable whether the proposal to restrict the buying and selling of cannabis to medical prescription only will solve that concern," she told DW. "Given the proposal of legislation to regulate cannabis in a more comprehensive manner, it seems more useful to initiate inclusive consultations on those proposals — while allowing reasonable timeframes for inputs from communities impacted by proposed cannabis regulations — rather than rapidly introducing new rules that risk causing greater confusion." Thailand mulls banning recreational cannabis again To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Rattapon Sanrak, founder and president of the Highland Network, a cannabis organization in Thailand, said the new cannabis bill poses potential problems for the industry. "Sudden enforcement could cause chaos," he told DW. "If the law takes effect right away, businesses, the public and officials will not have time to learn the new rules or adjust their work. Changing everything overnight is not realistic." But Rattapon believes there is still uncertainty over how long-lasting the new rule will be. "This bill comes as a ministerial regulation, decided by a single minister. If the minister changes, the rules can flip again. That is risky for an industry that involves huge investments and thousands of jobs. Passing a full Act of Parliament would give the rules a stable, democratic foundation and protect everyone who has invested time and money in the cannabis industry," he added. Confusion over the future of cannabis in Thailand has been ever-present since Thailand's Food and Drug Administration officially delisted cannabis from the narcotics list in June 2022. Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party had initially pushed for cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic. But in 2023, former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters at the UN General Assembly in New York that cannabis would be only allowed for medical purposes. Pressure from Thailand's government coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, whose flagship policy was to decriminalize cannabis, has pushed for the plant to remain legal. The new bill is expected to be a temporary measure before Thailand announces a comprehensive cannabis act to fully regulate the use, production and export of the plant. This is expected to be announced in two years. Edited by: Keith Walker
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA is back in Bangkok
In a world where oat milk has outlived common sense and lab-grown salmon is no longer the stuff of science fiction, it seems only fitting that the food world's most elaborate trade show is doubling down on reinvention. There are trade shows, and then there's THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA, bringing with it an unsettling number of buzzwords, ambitious chefs and alternative proteins. From May 27-31 at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, the region's most sprawling food and beverage gathering is set to occupy Bangkok's cavernous exhibition halls, with over 3,100 companies hawking everything from drinks, fine food, food technology, frozen food, fruits and vegetables, meat, rice, seafood and sweets and confectionery – and if you're wondering what that actually includes, you can check right here. It's all orchestrated by Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and German events heavyweight Koelnmesse. Expect 90,000 industry visitors, 2,000 serious buyers, and a rotating cast of regional policymakers, trend forecasters and flavour evangelists. This year's iteration casts its net wider, welcoming newcomers from Central Asia to Eastern Europe, with fresh national pavilions from Australia, Hong Kong and the Netherlands. The theme? 'Beyond Food Experience' – a catch-all phrase for the industry's growing obsession with functionality and virtue. Expect edible optimism in the form of gut-friendly sodas, brain-boosting snacks and plant-based proteins that swear they taste like the real thing. It's food reimagined not just to nourish, but to align with whatever lifestyle, identity or algorithm we're currently subscribing to. Standouts include the Trend Zone, partnered with Innova Market Insights (a sort of crystal ball for supermarket shelves), THAIFEX – ANUGA Startup, which showcases next-gen kitchen disruptors, and the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge, judged by culinary powerhouses like Willment Leong and Aiden Jongsung Ahn. There's even an Alternative Protein Taste & Flavour Challenge where visitors get to crown the best faux-meat.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Thailand keen to tap into Malaysia's halal market strength to advance its future food export strategy
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand is looking into Malaysia's halal market strength as a key pillar in advancing its future food export strategy, as both countries push for deeper collaboration under the Asean framework. Thai Chamber of Commerce vice-chairman Visit Limlurcha said one key area of focus is building a regional roadmap that ensures trade resilience. 'Asean must maintain at least 50–60% intra-regional trade capacity to buffer against external shocks and preserve access to markets such as the United States and China. In this context, Thailand sees strong potential in integrating Malaysia's established halal certification ecosystem with its own abundant raw material resources. 'Malaysia has a lot of halal market access, while Thailand has a lot of raw materials. We can exchange and help each other,' he told reporters at the 'Unpacking Malaysia-Thailand Trade & Packaging Opportunities ahead of ProPak Asia 2025' event today. Visit said the synergy aligns with Thailand's policy shift towards producing more 'future food', which is food that is sustainable, health-focused and designed to meet the needs of new generations. 'The food we are developing is not just for nutrition, but for sustainability and innovation.' Visit pointed out that Malaysia holds an advantage in developing functional and high-value ingredients, beyond traditional food commodities, which could complement Thailand's production capabilities. 'Malaysia has roadmaps that can turn raw products into functional ingredients. We need to work together to unlock that value,' he said. Further, Visit highlighted the urgent need for regional alignment to address global economic uncertainties, including slowing trade, US tariffs, and post-pandemic recovery. 'We all face the same problem, so we need to prepare ourselves well, not just Thailand and Malaysia, but Asean as a whole.' With Malaysia taking over the Asean chairmanship this year, Visit said, both countries are intensifying cross-border dialogue. 'This is a very good time for Malaysia. Both the government and private sectors are in close conversation, and we have a meeting coming up next month to align on these matters,' he said, noting that many of these topics would be tabled in the upcoming Asean agenda. Visit acknowledged that Thai food exports to Malaysia have been declining in recent years, attributing this to the broader global economic slowdown. 'Once the situation improves, the numbers will bounce back, and with stronger collaboration, we can do more than before,' he said. The Thai Chamber of Commerce is working to support small and medium enterprises through the turbulent times, he noted. 'We had a big crisis during Covid-19. Now, with new challenges like US tariffs, we are focused on helping SMEs navigate what is coming next,' Visit said.
Reuters
06-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Thai business group urges action from government amid panic over U.S. trade policy
BANGKOK, March 6 (Reuters) - The Thai Chamber of Commerce on Thursday urged action from the government over U.S. trade policy uncertainty and proposed it creates a "war room" to head off any threat of tariffs by the Trump administration. The chamber said its panic over U.S. trade policy was justified and Thailand must urgently review its import taxes on U.S. goods and increase imports to reduce its trade surplus with Washington amid rising global trade disputes. "Today, if asked if we are panicking about the U.S., we must be panicking because they are our number one export market," the chamber's vice chair Poj Aramwattananont told a press conference. "Time is very short. If we don't hurry up and don't respond officially to what is happening, we will run into problems. We have to be prepared and respond in a way that is fair to all parties." U.S. President Donald Trump last month signed a broad trade memorandum ordering federal agencies to complete comprehensive reviews of a range of trade issues by April 1, including analyses of persistent U.S. trade deficits. The United States was Thailand's largest export market last year, accounting for 18.3% of total shipments, or $54.96 billion. Thailand had a trade surplus last year of $35.4 billion with the United States, according to the commerce ministry, which has cited challenges to growing Thai exports due to uncertain U.S. trade policies. The chamber said it has asked the government to establish a special working group alongside the war room to address U.S. trade policy issues. It said Thailand could import more energy and agricultural products as well as aircraft from the United States to narrow the gap. Get a look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets with the Morning Bid U.S. newsletter. Sign up here.
