The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has intensified its efforts to regulate cannabis-related businesses across Thailand. Between June 16 and August 13, 2025, officials inspected 5,218 out of 18,763 establishments nationwide, with a strong focus on ensuring that cannabis shops operate within the law.
The inspection results were significant: 724 licenses were suspended, 129 licenses revoked, and 180 business owners prosecuted for selling without proper authorization. Authorities also closed 1,079 businesses, seized suspicious cannabis flowers in 116 cases, and arrested 33 individuals for smuggling cannabis out of the country through Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. The total confiscated cannabis weight reached 980.65 kilograms.
Since the legalization framework began in 2022, the department has received 176 complaints regarding cannabis shops and related businesses. The most common issues include unlicensed sales (68 cases), smoking in shops (25), sales to minors (15), street or stall sales (11), online sales (11), advertising violations (10), public nuisance (14), and requests for license verification (22).
Deputy Director-General Dr Thewan Thaneerat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring cannabis brings maximum benefit to society, emphasizing strict measures to prevent inappropriate use, particularly among youth. He warned that cannabis shops violating regulations would face immediate enforcement action, including suspension or closure.
Dr Nantasak Chotichanadechawong, Director of the Office for Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional and Folk Medicine Wisdom, highlighted that proactive operations are conducted weekly. On August 13, 2025, the department worked with Bangkok and Nonthaburi police units, including Phaya Thai, Chana Songkhram, Samae Dam Metropolitan Police, and Rattanathibet Provincial Police Station.
Of the 17 cannabis shops inspected that day, seven had valid licenses, one was cleared of wrongdoing, five were closed at the time of inspection, one had permanently shut down, two were operating without a license and faced prosecution, and one violated licensing conditions, leading to a suspension.
Any suspicious activity in cannabis shops should be reported directly to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine via phone at 0-2591-7007 or through their website at www.dtam.moph.go.th.
This nationwide sweep underscores the government’s message: cannabis shops must comply fully with the law or face strict penalties. With ongoing inspections and public cooperation, Thailand aims to ensure that cannabis shops operate responsibly, protect public health, and contribute positively to the country’s growing medicinal cannabis sector.