Activists advocating for cannabis legislation call for Somsak's dismissal
In late July 2025, the Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network, a pro-cannabis advocacy group, submitted a petition against Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The petition accuses Minister Somsak of favoritism and causing harm in the Thai cannabis industry.
The group alleges that the new Ministry of Public Health notification on cannabis regulations favors certain business groups while harming small-scale growers and licensed producers. This abrupt change in regulations has caused millions of baht in financial losses for these producers.
The new rules, which refer to the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis), mark a major departure from previous regulations in effect since 2022. Under the new rules, cannabis must come from sources certified by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. However, no official certification standard has been announced for these sources.
The network also criticizes the opaque implementation of the GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) standard. They claim that the GACP standard was allegedly applied selectively, with only certain groups being trained and certified. This selective application has resulted in discriminatory practices, allowing a limited number of businesses to continue operating.
The new regulations have also removed protections for vulnerable groups such as youth, making cannabis more accessible to them, despite claims that a medical certificate would still be required.
The petition, lodged with both the Government Complaints Centre at the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, urges the prime minister to replace Minister Somsak due to alleged violations of ethical codes and lack of transparency. The group also calls for the appointment of a minister who has knowledge, competence, and a commitment to good governance.
Minister Somsak has publicly stated he is unfazed by protests and remains committed to strict enforcement of cannabis laws under the Ministry’s regulations. He emphasizes public health priorities including concerns over youth and tourists. Enforcement actions and inspections have increased following the new regulations, with numerous inspections and arrests related to illegal cannabis activities.
As of now, there is no updated information about any government response or action on the petition or whether Minister Somsak will be replaced. The situation appears ongoing with a clear division between the pro-cannabis community and the Ministry's stance.
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The Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network petition, addressing both the Government Complaints Centre and the National Anti-Corruption Commission, contends that the new medical-conditions and health-and-wellness related cannabis regulations, dictated by the Ministry of Public Health, are biased in favor of specific business groups at the expense of small-scale growers and licensed producers, leading to significant financial losses. Additionally, the group expresses concerns over the lack of transparency and obfuscated implementation of Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standard, alleging selective application that fuels discriminatory practices in the industry.
