New PM’s Party Support Pot Access

The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has reaffirmed its stance in support of broad cannabis access, as its should be treated as a traditional herb, not a narcotic.

Bhumjaithai’s party member Kharom Phonphlang criticized opposition attacks, stressing that under the party’s vision, cannabis should be legal for food, medicine, and wellness, rather than criminalized.

“Before legalization, ordinary people were arrested simply for cooking with cannabis or using it as medicine,” Kharom said. “Allowing legal use under clear regulation is far better than punishing the public. Prime Minister Anutin is ready to continue working for the people within his limited time in office.”

Cannabis Soft Power and Economic Vision

According to The Standard, Anutin Charnvirakul Leader of BJT party has economic plan focuses on boosting tourism and cannabis-related industries, positioning Thailand as a herbal medicine hub and leveraging cannabis as a Soft Power tool to spread income opportunities to farmers. This runs alongside ambitious infrastructure projects, including the Gulf of Thailand–Andaman Land Bridge, aimed at turning Thailand into an ASEAN logistics and investment hub. although the broader “herbal economy” remains a key vision.

Party spokesperson Nan clarified that BJT will continue to back cannabis use strictly for medical purposes

International Media Spotlight

Anutin’s PM election as Thailand’s “Cannabis King” has captured attention worldwide. Global outlets highlighted his role in cannabis decriminalization and hail legalization policy

• Financial Times dubbed him the “King of Cannabis.”
• Reuters covered his pro-cannabis leadership.
• The Guardian reflected on the historic legalization campaign under Bhumjaithai.
• Sky News profiled Anutin as the politician who pushed cannabis reform.
• Associated Press (AP) noted his success in lobbying for legalization and building Thailand’s green economy, now heavily regulated under medical-use rules.

Other international outlets—including The Conversation, ABC Australia, DW Germany, TIME Magazine,—have all connected Anutin with Thailand’s cannabis movement, showing how far his reputation has spread.

Cannabis as Thailand’s “New S-Curve” Industry

Anutin’s global recognition is rooted in cannabis policy, which many analysts see as part of Thailand’s “New S-Curve” industries—high-growth sectors with world-class potential. Leading countries now view Thailand as an investment destination for the cannabis economy, worth hundreds of billions of baht and expanding rapidly.

For global younger generations especially, cannabis is increasingly replacing alcohol as a healthier alternative for relaxation, wellness, and medical use, strengthening its image as a safer herbal option with global market appeal.