Cannabis in Southern Thailand
The islands and beaches most visitors picture: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, plus Hat Yai near the Malaysian border. Island shops serve a lot of tourists, so check licences carefully, and remember Malaysia's drug laws are far harsher than Thailand's.
Updated 9 November 2026
Cities and islands
Latest local news
- Hat YaiCannabis haul seized in Thailand could fetch RM1.96m in Malaysia
Thai police at the Padang Besar checkpoint in Sadao, Songkhla, found 20 kg of cannabis flower in a hidden compartment of a Malaysian-registered car heading to Malaysia. The driver faces Customs Act charges carrying up to 10 years' jail.
- PhuketGovernment cracks down on illegal cannabis shops in Phuket: 533 shops did not renew licences, 12 suspended
A deputy government spokesperson said 533 Phuket cannabis shops had not renewed their licences and 12 had been ordered to suspend them. Provincial, police and health officials were told to keep inspecting and to prosecute illegal operators, with a focus on tourist areas.
- PhuketJoint task force raids Phuket cannabis shops over suspended licences
A joint operation led by a deputy interior minister found two shops in Thalang and Mueang Phuket still selling cannabis while their licences were suspended. Goods worth over 500,000 baht were seized and suspects face charges under the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act and the Food Act.
- Krabi and Ao NangThriving cannabis extract business operated by 31 year old Israeli seized by police and owner arrested
In a second raid on the same Krabi site, police found it still producing and selling cannabis locally and online despite the suspended licence. They seized over 29 kg of extracts and assets worth more than 3 million baht.
- PhuketPhuket campaign targets cannabis shops
The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, working with police and administrative officials, targeted 553 cannabis outlets for inspection. About 115, roughly 21%, had been inspected by late February 2026.
- Koh PhanganThai police raid 25 sites on Koh Phangan, charge 35
Around 170 officers served warrants at 22 restaurants, a shop and two hotels in a crackdown on illegal foreign labour and nominee arrangements. One suspect was arrested for selling controlled herbal products, including cannabis, without permission.
Provinces in this region
Chumphon, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Trang, Yala
The rules everywhere in Thailand
- Medical onlyRecreational use has been banned since June 2025.
- PT33 prescriptionYou need one from a licensed Thai practitioner to buy flower.
- 20 and overNo sales to anyone under 20.
- In person onlyNo online orders, delivery or vending machines.