National —
At 10:00 AM, on July 10th, 2024, Bhumjaithai Party spokesperson Boonthida Somchai addressed the media following the Narcotics Control Board’s decision to reclassify cannabis as a type 5 narcotic.
Boonthida emphasized the party’s commitment to using cannabis for medical purposes and economic development. She explained that the party had proposed a cannabis control bill since the previous government, aiming to establish a clear framework for its use.
The party’s actions align with the current government’s policy, as stated in the Cabinet’s announcement to Parliament on September 11th, 2023. Boonthida reassured that there would be no conflicts within the coalition government regarding cannabis regulation.
Boonthida acknowledged the confusion caused by the reclassification, particularly given the significant investments in cannabis over the past two years. She argued that a controlled legal framework is preferable to returning cannabis to narcotic status, which would undermine future confidence.
Previously, on July 9th, Deputy Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his strong disagreement with the current Ministry of Public Health’s Narcotics Control Board’s decision.
Anutin highlighted that the same board had initially recommended the decriminalization of cannabis during his tenure as Thai Minister of Public Health. He argued that the decision to reclassify cannabis contradicts the board’s earlier stance and undermines the party’s flagship policy.
Anutin emphasized that the process of reclassifying cannabis from the narcotics list required recommendations from various committees, not just a ministerial decision. He assured that if the Bhumjaithai Party were to oversee the Ministry of Public Health again, they would promptly remove cannabis from the narcotics list, reflecting their long-standing commitment to this policy.
Anutin voiced concerns about the impact of the reclassification on investor confidence, stressing that inconsistency in cannabis policy could have broader implications beyond the cannabis industry. He underscored the need for a stable regulatory environment to attract and maintain investment from Thai and international investors.
When asked about his strategy for addressing the issue within the Narcotics Control Board, Anutin stated that he would rely on reason and dialogue rather than confrontation.
Anutin acknowledged the challenges of swaying votes within the board, particularly given the limited support from the Ministry of Interior. Despite these obstacles, Anutin reaffirmed his determination to advocate for the party’s cannabis policy, emphasizing the importance of using rational arguments to achieve their goals.
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This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
