Thailand

Thailand was the first ASEAN country to legalize medical cannabis in 2019 under the Narcotics Act amendment. A controversial decriminalization in 2022 briefly removed cannabis from the narcotics list. In 2024, MOPH re-restricted recreational use while maintaining medical and industrial legality.

Medical cannabis is legal under Thai FDA licensing. Licensed producers hold Thai FDA production licenses. Government hospitals and licensed clinics dispense to registered patients. Growing private clinic sector. Thai-language physician prescriptions required.

Thai FDA published the first formal medical cannabis export licensing framework in February 2026. Thailand aims to leverage its agricultural advantages — year-round growing season, low production costs, established agricultural expertise — to become ASEAN's dominant cannabis exporter.

Thai FDA GMP is PIC/S-aligned via ASEAN GMP harmonization. Thai FDA certificates are recognized within ASEAN. For EU/UK/Australia export, EU-GMP Part I or bilateral recognition is required — no ASEAN-EU GMP MRA currently exists. Some Thai producers are pursuing EEA authority EU-GMP certification.

Thailand's tropical climate creates specific quality risks: high humidity increases mold and mycotoxin risk, heat affects product stability, and monsoon seasons complicate outdoor cultivation. These factors make mycotoxin testing and moisture control particularly important for Thai-produced cannabis.

Per-shipment Thai FDA export license under the new 2026 framework. Application includes destination import authorization, product specifications, Thai FDA production license reference, GMP and GACP certificates. Processing: approximately 4–6 weeks for initial applications under new framework.

ONCB files narcotic export declaration under Single Convention 1961 for all cannabis exports. ONCB manages Thailand's annual narcotic quota reporting to INCB.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi is the primary export point. GDP-compliant pharmaceutical handling available. Cold chain for temperature-sensitive products. Allow 72-hour pre-notification to freight forwarder for narcotics.

Thailand imports very little cannabis — its domestic production is ample. Research institutions may import specific strains. Thai FDA import authorization required. Not a significant market entry pathway.

Thai FDA GMP inspection and certification is the baseline. Accepted within ASEAN markets. PIC/S alignment means the standard is equivalent to EU-GMP in principle, but bilateral recognition with EU/UK/Australia does not yet exist at the Thai FDA level.

Thai manufacturers targeting EU markets (Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic etc.) need EU-GMP Part I from an EEA competent authority (ANSM, IMB etc.). EEA authority inspection in Thailand required — no shortcut. Growing number of Thai producers are pursuing this certification.

Most Thai cannabis reaching EU currently goes as bulk API or extract to EU-licensed Part I finishers. The Thai site holds GACP + Thai FDA GMP (BPM equivalent). The EU finisher takes Part I responsibility for finishing and QP release.

Thai FDA accepts EU GACP and WHO GACP. ISO 17065-accredited third-party certification required for export. Thai FDA conducts its own cultivation inspections as part of the production license.

Humidity monitoring is critical — target <60% RH in drying and storage areas. Mold and mycotoxin testing frequency should be higher than temperate climate standards. Monsoon season contingency plans required in GACP documentation.