Illicit marijuana operations remain agitated
The Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network has filed a petition against Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, accusing him of issuing biased cannabis regulations that favour certain business investors over small-scale growers[1][2]. The petition, submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Government Complaints Centre in late July 2025, alleges unethical conduct and a lack of transparency by Minister Somsak.
The network's concerns centre around the 2025 cannabis regulations, which have far-reaching implications for the industry. One of the main issues is the removal of protections for vulnerable groups, such as youth under 20, making cannabis more accessible despite claims of requiring medical prescriptions[1][2].
Another concern is the introduction of Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP) certification requirements with opaque criteria, restricting access to only a few distributors and exporters certified by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine[1][2]. This move has left nearly 20,000 licensed producers unable to sell their existing cannabis products, causing significant financial losses.
The petition also alleges that Minister Somsak's actions may be intended to benefit certain investors in the cannabis industry, as the latest regulations were issued to please investors, as previously stated in the petition[1].
In response, Minister Somsak has publicly expressed no concern over the protests and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strict enforcement of the regulations, emphasizing concerns about youth and the country's image[5]. As of July 31, 2025, there is no public information indicating that the petition has been resolved or led to any official changes or disciplinary action against the minister. The advocacy network remains active in protesting the regulations and calling for Somsak's dismissal[2][5].
References: [1] Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network. (2025). Petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and Government Complaints Centre. Retrieved from https://www.cannabisfuturethailand.org/petition [2] BBC News. (2025). Thailand: Pro-cannabis network accuses minister of unethical conduct. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62704559 [3] Reuters. (2025). Thailand cannabis growers face losses as new rules make products unsellable. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/thailand-cannabis-growers-face-losses-new-rules-make-products-unsellable-2025-07-20/ [4] The Nation. (2025). Pro-cannabis network files petition against minister over new rules. Retrieved from https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30413887 [5] Bangkok Post. (2025). Somsak reaffirms government's stance on cannabis regulations. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2124652/somsak-reaffirms-governments-stance-on-cannabis-regulations
1) The controversial cannabis regulations in Thailand have sparked debates within the realms of health-and-wellness, nutrition, and medical-conditions, due to concerns about youth protection and accessibility.
2) The policy-and-legislation surrounding cannabis in Thailand is under scrutiny, as the Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP) certification requirements are deemed opaque and limiting, favoring a select few distributors and exporters.
3) The ongoing battle between the Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network and Public Health Minister Somsak is not confined to the cannabis industry; politics and general-news outlets have picked up the story, highlighting allegations of unethical conduct, bias, and potential conflicts of interest.
