Anutin: Smuggling cannabis abroad is intentional law breaking; offenders face consequences.

Thairath•Politics•18d ago

Reader Briefing

Prime Minister Anutin states that drug smuggling is a deliberate legal offense and anyone transporting cannabis internationally will face repercussions, as new legislation aims to restrict its use to medical and health purposes only.

•Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the issue of cannabis smuggling out of Thailand.
•He emphasized that smuggling is a deliberate act of breaking the law and those involved will face legal consequences.
•The Ministry of Public Health is fast-tracking new legislation to strictly control cannabis use for medical and health purposes, prohibiting recreational use.
•The new law aims to provide clarity and prevent the misuse of cannabis.

Overview

•On July 8, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that smuggling cannabis out of Thailand is an intentional act of breaking the law, requiring legal proceedings for offenders.
•The Prime Minister explained that cannabis is a controlled product that cannot be freely imported or exported, thus smuggling constitutes deliberate illegal activity.
•Officials will arrest and prosecute individuals caught smuggling cannabis, with consequences following them to their destination.
•The Ministry of Public Health is expediting new legislation to control cannabis use.
•The new legislation is being introduced due to previous difficulties in passing such laws, which led to ambiguity.
•The upcoming law will clearly define that cannabis use is strictly for medical and health purposes.
•The new regulations will prohibit recreational use, smoking, and consumption of cannabis.
•The new cannabis law is expected to be passed, bringing clarity and control to its usage.

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Key Quotes

Anutin Charnvirakul

"The question is about smuggling, is it not? Smuggling is intentional law breaking, and offenders must face legal proceedings. This is a controlled product, not freely importable or exportable. Therefore, those who smuggle are individuals intentionally breaking the law, and officials must arrest and prosecute them."

น้องถามว่าลักลอบใช่หรือไม่ ลักลอบก็คือการตั้งใจทำผิดกฎหมาย ก็ต้องไปดำเนินคดี สินค้าเหล่านี้เป็นสินค้าควบคุม ไม่สามารถนำเข้าหรือส่งออกได้อย่างเสรี ดังนั้น คนที่ลักลอบก็คือคนที่ตั้งใจทำผิดกฎหมาย เจ้าหน้าที่ก็ต้องจับกุมตัวและดำเนินคดี

Key Entities

Person

Anutin Charnvirakul(อนุทิน ชาญวีรกูล)ℹ️

Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Thailand who made statements regarding cannabis smuggling.

Organization

Ministry of Public Health(สธ.)ℹ️

The Thai government ministry responsible for drafting new legislation to control cannabis.