Thailand First “Pro-Cannabis Prime Minister”, Sparking Hopes for a Weed Industry

History has been made in Thailand’s parliament as Anutin Charnvirakul was voted in as the country’s new prime minister, becoming Thailand’s first-ever “pro-cannabis PM.” The announcement was immediately picked up by international media, recalling Anutin’s global recognition for spearheading Thailand’s landmark cannabis decriminalization in 2022.

For cannabis entrepreneurs and advocates, Anutin’s rise has sparked new hope for an industry valued in the hundreds of billions of baht, as business owners call for fairer rules and a dedicated Cannabis Act to restore investor confidence.

New Hope For 420 Businesses

Nakarn Tawichawat, Chairman of the Health & Beauty Cluster of the Federation of Thai Industries, said Anutin’s background in public health and his role in cannabis legalization give him a deep understanding of the industry. He stressed that businesses need stable, transparent cannabis laws to create long-term confidence for investors and operators.

Calls to End Injustice Regulations

Chatchapatwee Atthapornmetha, leader of the Cannabis for the People Federation, told Channel Weez Thailand that unfair monopoly-style regulations could ease under Anutin’s leadership. He cited the Bhumjaithai Party’s policy during its control of the Public Health Ministry, which promoted income distribution by allowing farmers nationwide to cultivate cannabis without exclusive licensing barriers. He argued that unfair requirements—such as forcing shops to act as “clinics” or requiring doctor’s notes for access—must be revised.

At the same time, activists and affected operators plan to petition courts to strike down unfair regulations, while also demanding recognition of recreational users’ constitutional rights, which they argue are being violated under current rules.

Current Rules Crippled Entire Industry

According to The Standard, after three years of legalization, former Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin (Pheu Thai Party) issued new restrictive rules in June 2025 without a transition period. This sudden move forced many cannabis shops to shut down, while others reported sales drops of 80–90%, pushing customers back to the illegal market. Critics question whether such political maneuvers truly solved problems—or instead strengthened underground cannabis trade.

Tossaporn Nilkamhaeng, President of the Thai Cannabis Industry Association, told The Standard that while parts of the new regulations were positive, the lack of adjustment time caused massive disruption. He estimated losses in the tens of billions of baht across the cannabis supply chain. He added that although Anutin’s leadership brings hope, the government is unlikely to move toward full recreational legalization anytime soon.

Weed is a Huge Sector

Channel Weez Thailand reported that the Thai Cannabis Federation values the cannabis economy at around 280 billion baht, with the Phuket Cannabis Association estimating nearly 200 billion baht in cannabis-tourism spending in 2024 alone. Official data from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine shows that Thailand now has 80,000–100,000 workers in the cannabis service industry, about 18,000 licensed cannabis shops, and over 1 million registered home cultivators since legalization began.