If you’ve been dreaming of a tropical getaway—think golden beaches, bustling night markets, and mouth-watering street food—there’s something you need to know before you pack your bags.

The Land of Smiles has just made a significant U-turn on its cannabis laws, and the changes could catch unsuspecting Aussie travellers off guard.


Just a couple of years ago, Thailand made headlines as the first Asian nation to decriminalise cannabis, sparking a wave of 'weed cafes' and a booming cannabis tourism industry.

But the party is over—at least for now. This week, Thailand’s Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, signed a new order that tightens the rules around cannabis use and sales.


Here’s what’s new:

• No More Recreational Use: Cannabis is now strictly for medicinal purposes only.
• Prescription Required: You can’t buy or use cannabis unless you have a valid prescription from a Thai medical professional.
• THC Limit: Any cannabis product must contain less than 0.2 per cent THC by weight.
• Shops Restricted: Retailers are banned from selling cannabis to anyone without a prescription.
• Reclassification on the Horizon: The government is moving to reclassify cannabis buds as a 'controlled herb,' and there’s talk of relisting cannabis as a narcotic in the future.

The order will officially take effect once it’s published in the Royal Gazette, but authorities are already warning tourists to be on their best behaviour.

If you’re heading to Thailand, the message is clear: leave the cannabis at home, and don’t be tempted by what you see in local shops or cafes.

The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website has updated its advice, warning that 'the use of cannabis is limited to medicinal purposes only,' and you must have a prescription.

Even then, the THC content must be below 0.2 per cent—a level so low it’s unlikely to have any psychoactive effect.

It’s not just about cannabis, either. Smartraveller urges all visitors to exercise a 'high degree of caution' in Thailand, citing risks like political unrest, terror attacks, and drink spiking. So, it pays to keep your wits about you.


Thailand’s cannabis experiment was always controversial. The ruling Pheu Thai Party had promised to criminalise the drug again, but faced pushback from the Bhumjaithai Party, which championed decriminalisation.

Political tensions recently boiled over, with Bhumjaithai quitting the coalition government after a leaked phone call scandal.

Meanwhile, authorities have reported a surge in cannabis smuggling cases involving tourists, prompting the government to act swiftly.

Health Minister Somsak has even said he’d like to see cannabis relisted as a narcotic in the future.

While the new order doesn’t spell out specific penalties yet, Thailand is known for its strict drug laws.

In the past, even minor drug offences have resulted in hefty fines, jail time, or deportation. It’s simply not worth the risk, especially when the rules are changing so quickly.
Have you travelled to Thailand recently? Did you notice any changes in the local attitude towards cannabis or other laws? Or do you have tips for fellow seniors planning a trip? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.

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