Fact Check: 12,000 cannabis shops in Thailand face closure under new regulations.

Fact Check: "12,000 cannabis shops in Thailand face closure under new regulations"

What We Know

Thailand recently implemented new regulations that significantly restrict the sale of cannabis. As of June 2025, the government has banned the sale of cannabis without a prescription, reclassifying cannabis buds as a controlled herb. This change follows Thailand's earlier decision to decriminalize cannabis in 2022, which led to a surge in cannabis shops across the country. According to reports, there are currently about 18,000 licensed cannabis shops in Thailand, and estimates suggest that up to 12,000 of these could face closure due to the new regulations (AP News, Nation Thailand). The Health Ministry has stated that shops violating the new rules will be closed, and stricter licensing requirements will be enforced in the future (Reuters, BBC).

Analysis

The claim that "12,000 cannabis shops in Thailand face closure under new regulations" is grounded in the recent changes to cannabis legislation. The new regulations require all cannabis sales to be conducted with a prescription, which many existing shops may not be able to comply with immediately. The estimate of 12,000 shops potentially facing closure appears to be based on the number of shops that may not meet the new requirements or are unable to adapt to the stricter regulations (Nation Thailand).

However, it's important to note that the Health Ministry has indicated that licensed shops can continue to operate as long as they source their products from certified pharmaceutical-grade farms and comply with monthly reporting requirements (AP News). This suggests that while many shops may indeed face challenges, not all will necessarily close, especially those that can adapt to the new regulations.

The sources cited provide a mix of information, with some emphasizing the potential for widespread closures while others highlight the possibility for shops to remain operational if they comply with the new rules. The reliability of these sources varies, with established news agencies like AP and Reuters providing a more balanced view compared to less established outlets.

Conclusion

The claim that "12,000 cannabis shops in Thailand face closure under new regulations" is Partially True. While the new regulations could indeed lead to the closure of a significant number of shops, the exact number remains uncertain. The potential for closure is contingent on how many shops can adapt to the new requirements. Therefore, while the estimate of 12,000 is plausible, it is not definitive, and the situation is still evolving.

Fact Check: 12,000 cannabis shops in Thailand face closure under new regulations.