Thailand’s Prime Minister Vows to Combat Illegal Drugs
Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has taken a strong stance against illegal drugs, emphasizing that even possessing a single pill should be met with punishment. He has directed officials to proceed with plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, reversing its decriminalization in 2022.
Background
The Southeast Asian nation, known for its strict drug laws in the past, has been looking to capitalize on the growing global interest in medical marijuana. Thailand also serves as a key transit point for opium and methamphetamine, with significant quantities originating from conflict-ridden Myanmar.
Government’s Stance
Prime Minister Srettha emphasized the urgency of addressing the drug issue as a national priority, urging all agencies to collaborate effectively. He set a 90-day timeline for visible progress and warned that even a small quantity of drugs could lead to legal consequences.
Srettha, who assumed office in August, has consistently opposed the recreational use of marijuana. He has instructed the Health Ministry to expedite the process of reclassifying cannabis, limiting its use to medical purposes only.
Despite the government’s announcement in February to take swift action, the proliferation of legal marijuana dispensaries following the drug’s initial decriminalization continues unabated.
Thailand made history in 2018 by becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to authorize the medical use of marijuana, a move that the government now aims to regulate more strictly.