Thailand's Move to close recreational Cannabis use

 Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has issued directives to various government departments to strengthen measures against drug-related issues. This includes reclassifying cannabis as a Class 5 narcotic and limiting its use strictly to medical purposes.

During a meeting at the Government House attended by key officials such as Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, the PM emphasized the importance of addressing drug problems at the grassroots level. This involves cracking down on both large and small-scale drug dealers and providing robust treatment and rehabilitation programs to prevent relapses among addicts.

The PM assigned the Justice Ministry, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau to collaborate in apprehending drug dealers and seizing their assets to dismantle drug networks.

Additionally, the Public Health Ministry was instructed to review its regulation regarding the possession of methamphetamine pills (Yaba). The PM expressed concerns that the current regulation, which allows possession of fewer than five tablets without legal consequences, hinders law enforcement efforts. He suggested reconsidering this regulation to enable charging individuals with even a single pill for personal use.

Regarding cannabis, which was decriminalized in Thailand in 2022, the PM urged the Public Health Ministry to reclassify it as a Category 5 narcotic and establish clear guidelines allowing its use exclusively for medical and health-related purposes. Recreational use of cannabis would be prohibited, according to the PM's directives.

The meeting also discussed utilizing military camps as temporary rehabilitation centers for drug users. The Prime Minister instructed the Public Health Ministry to collaborate with the army to identify a suitable camp for a pilot program lasting 3-6 months.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the PM emphasized that combating drug problems is a "top government priority" as they pose a significant threat to the nation's youth. He urged all agencies to intensify efforts in investigating, arresting, seizing assets, and treating drug addicts.

The PM requested a progress report on the discussed matters within 90 days.