Lawmaker Demands Crackdown on Cannabis Smuggling Networks
A Democrat lawmaker says Thailand needs urgent cannabis control legislation to combat massive smuggling operations that have seized 56 tons this year and damaged the nation's international reputation. The House Public Health Committee will
On July 16, 2025, Sakon Thawee Phattiyakul, a Democrat MP serving as chair of the House Public Health Committee, announced findings on large-scale cannabis smuggling operations over the past six months. He stated that major drug seizures occurring both domestically and internationally have damaged Thailand's reputation, earning it the label of an illegal cannabis hub. The problem has worsened because Thailand currently lacks direct and comprehensive cannabis control legislation—only a Public Health Ministry announcement is available. Enforcement inconsistency has resulted, and responsibility cannot fairly be assigned to operators or agencies.
Sakon Thawee noted that the Public Health Ministry has drafted a Cannabis Act currently undergoing public comment, expected to be finalized this month before legislative review, with implementation anticipated in January 2026. This leaves a six-month regulatory gap. The House committee will establish a subcommittee to prioritize cannabis legislation, incorporating input from the ministry draft and relevant agencies.
Statistics for 2025 show over 6,000 cannabis cases with approximately 56 tons (56,000 kilograms) seized. The largest single bust involved 21 tons transported as airline baggage, cargo hold loads, shipping containers, and postal parcels destined mainly to the United Kingdom (22 tons) and the Netherlands (5 tons). Domestic wholesale prices are 10,000 baht per kilogram, but the same quantity sells for 10,000 pounds sterling in the UK—a 40-fold markup. Compared to Thailand's light penalties, smuggling remains profitable.
Although Customs has increased fines from negligible amounts to 30,000 baht per kilogram and now confiscates all goods, this fine pales against the 10,000-pound-per-kilogram UK price. Sakon Thawee warned that seized cases are simply fined and closed without further investigation. Because cannabis is not classified as a narcotic, related agencies deprioritize prosecution. Large cases result only in fines or asset seizures; authorities do not investigate who the individuals are, which shipping companies are involved, what legal entities operate, or who holds board positions. This loophole means an operator caught ten times but escaping once can continue operations, creating an ongoing reputational crisis.
