On June 26th, 2024, at 11:00 AM, a group of over 100 supporters of cannabis, comprising both locals and foreigners, congregated outside Pattaya City Hall to voice their opposition to the proposed reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 illegal narcotic substance. Participants not only signed a petition against the reclassification but also expressed their viewpoints on a white canvas exhibited on the city wall.
This assembly followed a recent public feedback period held from June 11th to 25th, which drew participation from an estimated 100,000 individuals. According to statements from Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, a reported 80% of the participants favored retaining the current classification of cannabis as a narcotic substance.
Mr. Jirawat Tanyapirom, a prominent cannabis advocate present at the gathering, highlighted that the primary objective was to resist the reclassification of cannabis. He urged the Thai government to acknowledge the numerous benefits associated with cannabis and conduct a thorough reassessment of the proposed decision.
Jirawat underscored the potential adverse impacts on cannabis-related businesses and individuals if the reclassification were to proceed as intended by the government. Recriminalizing cannabis could expose individuals to harsh penalties and prolonged incarceration for possessing even small quantities of marijuana.
During the event, attendees signed the petition, which will be forwarded to relevant authorities for review and reconsideration. The gathering was conducted peacefully, with traffic management overseen by Pattaya City police and officials, ensuring a smooth and incident-free demonstration.
