Singapore's Straits Times gleefully reports
Weed backlash grows in Thailand as kids turn to cannabis
BANGKOK – It was billed as a savior to Thailand’s post-Covid-19 pandemic slump, but the runaway cannabis industry has instead sparked a deep domestic backlash that could see the plant criminalised once again after February’s election.
Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022. The move was widely supported, with people told the country would emerge as a regional hub for medical cannabis that would expand the health tourism sector and create a new cash crop for farmers.
But within months, it was clear the policy had instead sparked a boom in recreational use that spread to children. Thousands of shops selling ready-rolled spliffs and fruit-flavoured gummies mushroomed across the country and the smell of cannabis on city streets became as ubiquitous as that of grilled pork.
Doctors warned of rising hospital admissions, tourism groups feared the loss of high-spending visitors, and foreign governments complained of a rise in drug smuggling.
Studies show growing recreational use among schoolchildren, a major point of contention among many Thais.
“It got out of control and has had a huge negative impact, especially on children and young people under 25, whose brains are still developing,” said Mr Yodsakorn Khunphakdee, coordinator of Youth Network Against Cannabis, which submitted a petition to the Public Health Ministry in 2025 with 200,000 signatories urging that decriminalisation be overturned.
Although the authorities say the policy was designed for medical use, the lack of clear regulations created a gray area.
Dispensaries with flashy neon signs dish out products freely, even after new rules in 2025 mandated the need for prescriptions.
Dr Patraporn Kinorn, who specialises in child psychiatry and addiction treatment, said she is seeing an increasing number of young patients addicted to cannabis.
Read More
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/weed-backlash-grows-in-thailand-as-kids-turn-to-cannabis
Business Times Singapore runs teh same story
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/weed-backlash-grows-thailand-kids-turn-cannabis
As does the Financial Post
https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/weed-backlash-grows-in-thailand-as-kids-turn-to-cannabis
MJ Biz run it as a scare story as well
Thailand poised to recriminalize cannabis as boom sparks backlash – and boredom
