Anutin Charnvirakul, the «cannabis king», takes power in Thailand

Thailand has a new Prime Minister : Anutin Charnvirakul, often referred to as the« king of cannabis »for its role in the decriminalization of cannabis in 2022. On Friday, the 58-year-old Bhumjaithai (Pride of Thailand) party obtained 311 votes out of 492 in Parliament, becoming the country's third head of government in just one year.

The architect of cannabis in power

For observers of Thai politics, Anutin's rise to prominence is of particular importance because of his symbolic link with the Thai government. cannabis reform. As Minister of Health during the Covid-19 pandemic, he spearheaded the removal of cannabis from the country's list of narcotics in 2022, making Thailand the the first Asian country to decriminalize this plant.

His party has built its image around this policy. During the 2023 campaign, Anutin even appeared wearing shirts decorated with cannabis leaves, a clear reminder of its flagship achievement. According to’Asia Cannabis Report, its initial motivations were partly pragmatic: to reduce the number of prison overcrowding caused by minor drug offences, and offer new economic opportunities in the region. rural areas, particularly in Isan, the Bhumjaithai stronghold.

Now that he holds the highest office, this continuity in cannabis policy could prove decisive. As one analysis points out, «unlike other countries where cannabis legalization faces political uncertainty, Thailand now has its leading architect of cannabis reform in the highest office».

A booming cannabis market

Political context intersects with economic history. Visit cannabis market in Thailand experienced strong growth. Valued at $1.31 billion in 2024, it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 33% between 2025 and 2030. Some projections even suggest that the sector could reach $9.6 billion by 2030.

By way of comparison, the canadian cannabis market was estimated at approximately $3.9 billion in 2023, while the U.S. adult market exceeded $20 billion. Worldwide, cannabis sales are expected to rise from $57.18 billion in 2023 to $444.34 billion in 2030.

If these forecasts are confirmed, Thailand could capture around 2.2% of this global market, positioning itself as the largest single cannabis market outside North America and Europe.

These figures explain the importance of Anutin's presence at the head of the government. The country's cannabis economy generated 28 billion Thai baht (750 million euros) in revenue in its first year after decriminalization, and this figure is set to almost double in the short term. Thousands of’farmers, of retailers and even the tourism sector now depend on the current legal framework.

Between political instability and economic pragmatism

Despite its parliamentary victory, Anutin's government rests on fragile foundations. It relies on a temporary alliance with ideological rivals who expect it to call new elections. The promise of a constitutional reform adds another layer of uncertainty.

But for many Thais, the cannabis industry is already a rare ray of hope. Beyond its role in agriculture and tourism, it has become a soft power tool. Thailand is now the first country to have taken this initiative in Asia, a continent where most governments maintain strict bans.

Neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines continue to impose severe penalties for possession, while Japan and South Korea allow very limited medical use and prohibit recreational consumption.

Thailand's early initiative gives it a unique precursor advantage it's already attracting cannabis tourism, foreign investment and international partnerships. Whether or not Mr. Anutin remains Prime Minister after the next elections, the industry is unlikely to back down.