Bangkok Metropolitan Police raided an illegal cannabis outlet in Din Daeng on July 9, 2025, arresting 28-year-old Worapong and confiscating a range of illicit products, from psychedelic mushrooms to cannabis-laced vapes and sweets. The operation highlights Thailand’s ongoing struggle to balance relaxed cannabis laws with emerging public health concerns.
What the Raid Uncovered
The police served a search warrant issued by the Criminal Court on July 8. The shop, tucked into Soi Intamara 44, was found selling products without licence or medical oversight. Here’s a snapshot of the haul:
| Product Type | Quantity Seized |
|---|---|
| Psychedelic mushrooms | 371.32 g |
| Cannabis-infused e-cigarettes (boxes) | 157 |
| Cannabis jelly bags | 61 |
| Cannabis brownies | 83 |
| Cannabis syrup bottles | 18 |
| Cash | 1,500 baht (~US$45) |
| Mobile phones | 2 |
These items breached multiple regulations—from drug control to consumer protection.
Who Was Arrested & What Charges He Faces
Worapong, identified as the shop’s caretaker and co-owner, admitted managing the outlet. His charges include:
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Possessing a Category-5 narcotic (psychedelic mushrooms) without permission
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Selling cannabis products without medical authorisation
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Violating consumer protection laws by selling e-cigarettes and food without proper Thai labels
Police transferred him and the seized goods to Sutthisan Police Station for further prosecution. The case sheds light on weak spots in cannabis regulation, especially in nondiscriminatory sale and labelling.
Thailand Tightens Regulations Amid Cracks in the System
Following similar incidents, Thailand’s FDA and Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine are clamping down. From later this year, licensed cannabis outlets must operate like medical facilities, dispensing only via prescription and overseen by trained professionals. The first thousand certified doctors will be in place by July 16 to support stricter distribution protocols.
Why This Matters Now
Thailand decriminalised cannabis in 2022, but growing pains are emerging as unregulated shops pop up. Authorities worry about:
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Public safety risks—especially accidental ingestion by children
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Label confusion—non-Thai or inaccurate labels make health education difficult
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Regulatory loopholes—unlicensed sales fill the void left by medical-only guidelines
The drive to enforce prescription anti-cannabis sales aims to reduce these issues and protect consumers, particularly minors.
Conclusion
The Din Daeng cannabis bust and arrest of Worapong spotlight a pivotal moment in Thailand’s evolving cannabis landscape. Beyond law enforcement, it points to a critical need for stronger regulations, proper oversight, and medical-grade distribution channels. Expect stricter enforcement and clearer rules as Thailand aligns its cannabis policy with public health goals.