The NCC stressed that licences are only for cannabis with a THC content of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

The Commission said the regime covers two main areas; industrial production, including fibre and seeds for manufacturing and medicinal use, aimed at supporting pharmaceutical and health-related products.

Applicants, including individuals and companies, can apply under 11 licensing categories, such as cultivation, processing, breeding, research and development, laboratory testing, storage, transportation , import and export, sales and distribution, and advertising and promotion.

To streamline applications, the NCC has introduced an online application system through its website. Applicants must complete a digital form, upload required documents and pay a non-refundable application fee, the Commission said.

As a result , thousands of cannabis shops have closed. Health Ministry data shows that of 8,636 shop licences that expired in 2025, only 15.5% were renewed. More than 7,000 businesses chose to shut down.

Under the new rules, cannabis flower is now classified as a “controlled herb” and can only be purchased with a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Customers are limited to a 30-day supply.

Tourists can still access medical cannabis, but only after consulting a Thai doctor and obtaining a medical certificate, a process that makes casual purchases far less common.

Dispensaries are also now required to employ licensed medical or traditional medicine practitioners on-site.

Other restrictions include a ban on cannabis advertising, prohibition of online sales, and rules against selling in certain public areas. Smoking cannabis in public is illegal and can result in fines of up to 25,000 baht (about US$1,000).

On August 20, 2025, President Daniel Noboa signed Decree No. 109 extending the state of emergency to La Maná (Cotopaxi) and Las Naves and Echeandía (Bolívar), citing rising violence from armed groups using these areas as strategic hubs. The measure authorises inspections, raids, seizures, and surveillance of communications to combat organised crime and protect public order.

Massive support for cannabis regulation

The Network of Cannabis Organisations of Ecuador (REDCAN) submitted 20,000 signatures to the National Assembly to push a bill regulating cannabis use. Admitted by the CNE in January 2025, the initiative requires 35,000 signatures—15,000 more are expected to be collected by October.

Anti-mining protests

Indigenous, peasant, and worker leaders in Azuay announced protests in September against mining in Quimsacocha, demanding the government revoke the Loma Larga project’s license. FOA president Lauro Sigcha warned of an 'indefinite uprising' starting September 23 if demands are unmet, including roadblocks and strikes. Demonstrations begin September 16 in Cuenca, alongside legal actions citing flaws in prior consultation.

Government launches National Public Health Committee

On August 21, the government held the first session of the National Public Health Committee (Consap), created by President Daniel Noboa days earlier. Authorities announced a nationwide bulk purchase of medicines and supplies and set a roadmap to strengthen hospitals and health centres. The meeting, led by Health Minister Jimmy Martin with Vice President María José Pinto and other officials, confirmed $200 million had been allocated, of which $100 million was already spent. Officials pledged to combat corruption, ensure transparency, and guarantee supply across the health network.

Guayas and Manabí: epicentres of criminal violence in Ecuador

Ecuador’s coastal provinces face worsening violence, led by Guayas and Manabí, long considered strategic hubs for drug trafficking. Both are under a state of emergency amid rising crime and over 5,000 homicides nationwide in the first seven months of 2025—double or triple 2021 levels. Guayas alone saw more than 2,500 murders, while Manabí recorded nearly 700. Los Ríos and El Oro also remain under emergency, with homicide rates sharply up since 2021.

What they said

Punnathat Phutthisawong, a dispensary worker, bemoaned the situation. "This is my main source of income. Many shops are probably just as shocked because a lot of them invested heavily." Cannabis activist Chokwan Kitty Chopaka also said, "The cannabis industry has become a hostage to politics ."

Despite being one of the first Asian nations to decriminalise marijuana, Thailand still lacks a robust legal framework governing its sale and consumption. This absence of regulations led to an explosive rise in cannabis retailers, especially in tourism-centric areas like Bangkok and Phuket, often serving unregulated recreational buyers.

The upcoming regulation, expected to roll out in approximately 40 days, aims to restrict the use of cannabis to strictly medical purposes. Somruek Chungsaman, head of the Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine in the health ministry, emphasised that anyone, Thai citizens or foreigners, desiring to buy cannabis flowers for smoking must possess a doctor’s prescription. "We don’t want people saying they came to Thailand just to smoke cannabis. That gives a negative impression," he said .

Thailand’s health minister previously hinted at a ban on recreational marijuana use set for late last year, but no specific restrictions have surfaced yet. The cannabis industry, estimated to be worth over $1 billion annually, largely remains unregulated.

In an effort to rein in the burgeoning cannabis market, authorities have implemented various regulations, such as banning sales near schools and requiring retailers to provide clearer usage information for cannabis-infused food and drinks. However, these measures have been piecemeal at best.

A comprehensive cannabis law is currently being drafted by the health ministry, which will need cabinet approval before it heads to parliament for further discussions.

Some marijuana advocates argue that the new requirement for a doctor’s note is unnecessarily strict, claiming that cannabis popularity is already waning following an initial spike in use. "Cannabis is not popular among youth. In fact, the number of smokers has not increased at all, which has caused many shops to shut down," remarked Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network.

The announcement came after Motsoaledi met with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the backlash.

The presidency said Ramaphosa supports more discussions with experts and the public before making new rules. He wants to ensure that any regulations protect people’s health, especially children, without harming businesses.

Local reports indicate that Motsoaledi had quietly introduced the ban earlier this month under the Foodstuffs Act of 1972.

The rules made it illegal to sell or produce food with cannabis ingredients, including hemp seed oil and hemp flour, threatening persons who defied the rules with a fine or jail time.

Many in the cannabis and hemp industry strongly opposed the move, with some groups threatening legal action and arguing that the ban had no scientific basis and that the government had not consulted them. The Cannabis Trade Association Africa said the ban ignored the fact that hemp products had been traded for years without issue.

Motsoaledi denied reports that the president had summoned him to explain his decision.

However, he acknowledged that he and Ramaphosa had both received complaints from businesses and industry leaders. He said his main concern was unregulated food imports containing cannabis and hemp.

The government had earlier said it wanted to protect consumers from health risks while working on a long-term plan to regulate cannabis and hemp products properly.

Deputy Health Director-General Dr. Anban Pillay confirmed that Motsoaledi had received many comments from people worried about the ban.

In his State of the Nation Address in February, Ramaphosa said he wanted South Africa to be a leader in cannabis and hemp production.

The government’s decision to withdraw the ban shows a shift towards supporting the industry while ensuring proper regulations are in place.

Lin Jian, the country's foreign ministry spokesman, verified this during a press briefing on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

"The person from Volkswagen was detained for 10 days and deported by Chinese public security organs for the use of cocaine. For further information, please refer to the relevant authorities," he said.

The incident highlights China's stringent drug policies, which apply to both citizens and foreigners alike.

The country maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use, with severe penalties for those found in violation. This policy extends to foreigners, who can face detention and expulsion if caught using or possessing illegal substances.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had previously vowed to re-list cannabis as a narcotic by the end of 2024. However, after extensive discussions, the government has decided to draft legislation to regulate the cannabis industry instead.

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a strong advocate for cannabis liberalisation, announced the new direction, emphasising the need for a coordinated approach to address the complexities of cannabis use and its economic benefits.

"I thank the prime minister for considering this matter and deciding on issuing an act," Mr Anutin said after a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin.

The new legislation will focus on establishing clear guidelines for the cultivation, production, and distribution of medicinal cannabis. This framework aims to ensure that cannabis is used responsibly and safely, with strict controls to prevent misuse. The government also plans to engage with local communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and support small-scale farmers.

However, secretary-general to the prime minister Prommin Lertsuridej told Reuters that "It will be a matter of law and debated in parliament where there is already a draft law. Whether it is a narcotic or not is up to parliament."

Thailand made headlines in 2022 when it became one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalise cannabis. Initially intended for medicinal use, the lack of comprehensive regulations led to a surge in recreational use and the rapid proliferation of cannabis cafes and shops.

A Chinese-language billboard advertising passport sales at the Huai Khwang intersection in Bangkok has sparked a major investigation by state authorities. On July 23, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsawang and Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Ittisarnronnachai ordered the interrogation of Ms. Na Su, a Chinese national, who was found to have commissioned the sign. Ms. Na Su revealed that she had received the order from a company in Hong Kong. They discussed costs, which included a 150,000 baht monthly rental fee and 60,000 baht for making the sign. She received a coordination fee of $500 (about 17,000 baht) per sign, reports Khaosod English .

No Thai berry picker in Finland

Despite Finland issuing 900 permits to Thai berry pickers, none have entered the country for the harvest season due to a lack of exit permits from Thai authorities. According to Schengen News , Birgitta Partanen of the Arctic Aroman Association and Jarmo Tiukkanen, a Finnish government advisor, confirmed that Thai authorities have not issued the necessary exit permits for the pickers to travel to Finland.

Increased tiger population

Thailand's Western Forest Complex has seen a doubling of the tiger population and increased prey animals due to long-term conservation efforts. Camera-trapping data revealed the tiger recovery, attributed to efforts to control poaching and restore habitats. The population growth of tigers and their prey serves as a model for tiger recovery in other parts of Thailand. As reported by Good Good Good News , conservation efforts have included strengthened ranger patrols and antipoaching measures. Successful tiger recovery also depends on protecting connectivity between forests. The success of Thailand's conservation efforts is significant for the future of tiger populations in the region.

NIA unveils 'Groom - Grant - Growth - Global'

The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has unveiled the 'Groom - Grant - Growth - Global' strategy to drive Thailand towards becoming an innovative nation. The agency aims to strengthen innovation, promote the export of Thai products, and enhance organizational operations using digital technologies. NIA has worked with partners to support innovation-based entrepreneurs and developed financial mechanisms to meet the needs of innovation entrepreneurs. The agency also focuses on promoting international market expansion and digital transformation to support innovation entrepreneurs, reports Taiwan News .

Re-criminalising cannabis

Thailand has decided not to re-criminalize cannabis and will instead regulate its use for medicinal purposes, aiming to tap into a $1bn industry. The government's U-turn on its previous policy comes after the decriminalization of marijuana led to widespread recreational use. The move indicates better coordination between government parties on the complex cannabis issue, and a draft legislation to regulate the industry is now being discussed. As reported by the Independent , the proposed re-criminalisation of cannabis has been set in motion, but the deputy prime minister, a member of the Narcotics Control Board, has vowed to vote against the plan.

A gas storage tank fire at an industrial park in Rayong province, eastern Thailand has resulted in one fatality and the evacuation of 200 people, according to Thai officials. The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) said in a statement that four persons were injured in the fire, and one of them later passed away in the hospital from their wounds. The chief of the disaster prevention and mitigation office in Rayong province, Attaya Attaya Nual-Uthai, stated that "about 200 people had been evacuated from the area." The cause of the fire is unknown and rescue efforts are underway to extinguish the blaze.

Record high heat

Thailand was affected by a record-breaking heatwave in April and early May. In April, record highs were reached in 30 districts across Thailand's 77 provinces with 26 provinces having temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius. The extreme heat poses serious health risks to children and limits their outdoor activities and access to basic services. In 2020 alone, more than 75% of children in the Southeast Asian nation, roughly 10.3 million were impacted by high heat factors.

Jurassic World 4 to film in Thailand

Thailand has been revealed as one of the filming locations for the fourth instalment of the Hollywood film franchise Jurassic World, according to reports. The United Kingdom and Malta were also mentioned as locations for the film. Production is scheduled to kick off on June 17 and continue through October 18.

Criminalisation of cannabis

Thailand's government has reversed its decision to decriminalise cannabis , with the Prime Minister announcing that it will be reclassified as a narcotic by the end of the year. “I want the Health Ministry to amend the rules and relist cannabis as a narcotic. The ministry should quickly issue a rule to allow its usage for health and medical purposes only,” Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on social media. This comes just two years after the country became one of the first in Asia to decriminalise recreational usage.

Island closed after coral bleaching

Thailand closed an island due to extensive coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures. The closure comes after a deadly heatwave across Asia. The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) said the Pling Island and the coral reefs around Sirinart National Park in Phuket, a province in southern Thailand would be temporarily closed due to extensive coral bleaching caused by rising seawater temperatures. The officials also disclosed that other national parks are being monitored.

The Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, announced that the Ministry has allocated 469 million dirhams (about $127 million) to address the water infrastructure damage caused by the Al Haouz earthquake. The funds include 117 million dirhams (about $31 million) for an emergency program focusing on repairing infrastructure, roads leading to dams, and administrative buildings. Additionally, 47 million dirhams (about $12 million) will go towards repairing hydrological stations in several provinces, reports local media Assahraa . The minister also discussed a broader program mobilizing 810 million dirhams (about $220 million) to aid Al Haouz earthquake victims, targeting road rehabilitation, machinery acquisition, and debris removal.

Moroccan automobile market

The Moroccan automobile market witnessed a 25.28% increase in sales of vehicles with electrified motorization in 2023 compared to the previous year. Despite overall vehicle sales in Morocco experiencing a slight 0.1% increase, reaching 145,292 private vehicles sold, the light commercial vehicle segment recorded an 11% decline. Dacia, Renault, and Hyundai were the top performers in passenger vehicles, while Renault led in light utility vehicles. The premium segment saw a 15% increase, with Audi leading, local media Lematin reported.

Cannabis processing

A budget of approximately 45 million DH (about $12 million) has been allocated to establish a dedicated economic zone for cannabis processing activities in Issaguen, within the province of Al Hoceima, Morroco. Spearheaded by the Regional Project Execution Agency (AREP) of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, the project aims to develop a 10-hectare area focused on the processing and valorization of cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. The allocated funds will cover technical studies, development, and economic zone construction, divided into two sections of 5 hectares each, local media L'economiste reported. By the end of November 2023, the National Cannabis Regulatory Agency (ANRAC) had granted 430 authorizations for cannabis cultivation and production on 277 hectares.

VAT abolition

The Ministry of Health has implemented a substantial reduction in the prices of nearly 4,500 drugs, including originator, generic, and biosimilar medications in Morocco. This decision is a response to the abolition of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on medicines as outlined in the 2024 Finance Law and marks one of the most substantial reductions in the number of drugs affected, reports local media Lematin . This move reflects the government's commitment to making essential medicines more affordable and accessible to the public.

Housing Assistance

Since its launch on January 2, 2024, the digital platform for direct housing assistance has garnered enthusiasm, with a total of 16,302 registration requests, as announced by the Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and Urban Policy, Fatima Zahra Mansouri. She said that 89% of the registered individuals are eligible to receive this aid. Mansouri also provided insights into the demographics, stating that the average age of applicants is 39 years, with 66% being men and 44% women. The initiative has seen widespread participation, starting with initial requests from provinces like Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Berrechid, and Tangier, with subsequent nationwide engagement, reports local media Lematin .