Cannabis rules tighten, and the departure tax is on hold

Cannabis shops still open, but the PM orders license checks and tougher penalties

What happened

Bangkok · Oct 25 · Cannabis flower is still a controlled substance in Thailand, sold legally only with a prescription. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired the Narcotics Control Board on Thursday, October 22, and said the government will tighten controls and propose tougher penalties for cannabis violations through amendments to the narcotics law. The Public Health Ministry was told to inspect licensed shops and act against those breaking license conditions, including possible license revocation, and Customs was told to step up export checks. The draft cannabis bill approved by the Cabinet on September 22, which would limit cannabis to medical use, still has to pass Parliament; no vote has been reported. Enforcement is already visible: on October 19, police and health officials seized more than five tons of cannabis buds from a rented house in Bang Khen, Bangkok, and detained five foreign workers. Officials said the operators only held a license for another province. Under current rules, selling without a valid license or prescription can bring up to one year in prison, a 20,000-baht fine, or both.

Why it matters

Shops are still open, which makes it easy to assume buying is legal. It isn't without a prescription, and the government is now signaling more inspections and harsher penalties. Penalties for buyers and for smoking in public haven't been newly confirmed.

Who it affects

Anyone who buys or uses cannabis in Thailand, and visitors who might try to take it home.

What you should do

Don't buy cannabis without a prescription from a licensed clinic, don't smoke in public, and never pack it in luggage leaving Thailand. Customs is increasing checks.

Background: Cannabis in Thailand: what's legal now

Source: Bernama · Also: Bangkok Post, Thaiger · Verified Oct 25, 2026

Proposed ฿1,000 departure tax put on hold; no date set

What happened

Bangkok · Oct 25 · Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Thursday, October 22 that the government will not go ahead with the proposed 1,000-baht tax on international air departures for now. The tax would have applied to Thais and foreigners alike, added to the airline ticket price. He cited the need to keep tourism momentum after the IMF–World Bank meetings, and higher airline costs from the Middle East conflict. Travel agents and the Thai Hotels Association had opposed it. The tax was never approved, and no new date has been announced. A separate proposed 450-baht fee for foreign arrivals is still under consideration.

Why it matters

This is a postponement, not a cancellation, so the tax could return. For now, flights out of Thailand don't carry any new departure tax.

Who it affects

Anyone who flies out of Thailand, including residents who travel often.

What you should do

Nothing changes for tickets now. Be wary of claims that a departure tax or arrival fee is already being charged; neither is in force.

Source: Thaiger · Also: Thai Newsroom, ASEAN NOW · Verified Oct 25, 2026

Nominee land crackdown goes nationwide: forced sales, investigations due by December

What happened

Bangkok · Oct 25 · On Monday, October 19, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered a nationwide crackdown on land held by Thai nominees for foreigners. Provincial governors and the Department of Lands must finish investigating high-risk cases by December 2026. Land found to be illegally held is to be sold by order, with buyers vetted so it doesn't pass to another nominee. Officials are told to look past the names on title deeds and company records to who actually controls and pays for the land. The Department of Lands has identified 1,397 companies suspected of holding 2,360 plots, worth about 14 billion baht, for foreigners. Possible outcomes include losing the land and deportation. Anutin said legitimate foreign investment is still welcome. Earlier this month, police raids on Bangkok housing estates led to 11 foreigners being arrested.

Why it matters

This now reaches every land office in the country, not just high-profile raids. Reports say condos (which foreigners can own in their own name, within quota) and land held by Board of Investment-approved companies aren't targeted.

Who it affects

Foreigners who hold a house or land through a Thai company or a Thai person's name, and Thais who hold land on their behalf.

What you should do

If your home is held through a Thai company or a Thai partner's name, have a Thai lawyer review the structure now. Be wary of anyone selling 'company setups' for buying land.

Source: Thaiger · Also: The Nation, Pattaya Mail · Verified Oct 25, 2026

PM's drug bills would presume larger amounts are for sale and allow 7-day detention

What happened

Bangkok · Oct 25 · On Wednesday, October 21, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bhumjaithai MPs submitted two bills to the House Speaker and asked for urgent treatment. One amends the Narcotics Code. Anyone caught with more than the personal-use threshold would be presumed to intend to sell, a trafficking-level offense. It also raises penalties for using children in drug crimes and for promoting drugs online, and lets officials order such content removed. The other bill extends how long police can hold a drug suspect, from 3 days to 7, and lets narcotics police seek court orders to access communications. The bills don't change the law yet. They still need public consultation and votes in both houses of Parliament. Current rules, including the one-tablet personal-use limit for yaba set in June 2024, remain in force.

Why it matters

Headlines say the bills treat possession as trafficking. More precisely, possession above the threshold would be presumed to be for sale, and the threshold is already very low (one yaba pill). Combined with longer detention, a small amount could mean far more serious charges.

Who it affects

Anyone in Thailand, foreigners included, who might carry any illegal drug, even a small amount.

What you should do

Nothing changes yet, but Thai drug law is already strict and getting stricter. Don't carry illegal drugs, and don't hold bags or packages for others. If you're arrested, ask for your embassy and a lawyer before signing anything.

Source: The Pattaya News · Also: Thai Examiner, The Phuket News · Verified Oct 25, 2026

Cool air brings storms to Bangkok October 25–27; floods now down to two districts

What happened

Bangkok · Oct 25 · The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) said on Saturday, October 24 (warning No. 3, issued 5pm) that a cold air mass from China is spreading over upper Thailand. It expects thunderstorms, strong gusts, heavy rain and lightning from October 25 to 27, reaching the Northeast first and then the Central region, Bangkok and the East. The South gets heavy to very heavy rain through October 28. Bangkok's floods are receding: on October 21 the BMA lifted the disaster-zone status of Khlong Sam Wa, Bueng Kum, Prawet, Min Buri, Saphan Sung and Sai Mai. Only Nong Chok and Lat Krabang remain disaster zones, with some low-lying communities still under water. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) counted about 168,000 affected households in those two districts as of October 23. The BMA has extended the deadline to apply for flood aid to November 30.

Why it matters

The cold front usually marks the turn toward the cool, dry season, but its arrival brings a few stormy days first. In Nong Chok and Lat Krabang, more rain can slow the drain-off. Lifting a disaster zone doesn't end aid for households that were flooded there.

Who it affects

Anyone in Bangkok October 25–27, especially people traveling to the Northeast or South, and residents of Nong Chok and Lat Krabang. Flood-affected households still gathering paperwork for aid.

What you should do

Expect storms and gusty wind from Sunday to Tuesday. During storms, stay out of open areas and away from large trees and weak billboards, as TMD advises. If you live in eastern Bangkok, check your soi before heading out. If your home was flooded, apply for aid at your district office by November 30. TMD issues new warnings twice a day; check the source link for the latest.

Source: Thai Meteorological Department · Also: Thai PBS World, The Nation · Verified Oct 25, 2026

China warns of fake job offers and kidnappings in Thailand; Thai officials respond

What happened

Bangkok · Oct 25 · On October 16, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok warned its citizens about criminal groups luring people to Thailand with high-paying job offers, business trips, investment deals and fake filming or performance invitations, and then abducting them or taking them toward the Myanmar border. It cited recent cases, including a photographer who disappeared after coming to Bangkok for a shoot; his family received a ransom demand. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on October 21 that Thailand will investigate and act, and asked the embassy to keep its warnings proportionate. Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said most victims were deceived in their home countries before they arrived, rather than being ordinary tourists, and promised tighter security.

Why it matters

The warning is aimed at Chinese nationals, but the scheme is not. People from African countries and elsewhere have also been recruited with fake jobs in Thailand and trafficked into scam compounds on the border. Ordinary tourists in Bangkok are not the main target.

Who it affects

Anyone offered a job, gig, modeling or filming work in Thailand, especially friends and family overseas who are thinking of coming for work.

What you should do

Treat job offers that pay unusually well, skip the visa process or involve travel to border areas like Mae Sot as red flags. Verify the employer independently and don't accept free rides from strangers. If someone is being held, call the Tourist Police at 1155 and contact their embassy.

Source: Khaosod English · Also: South China Morning Post, The Nation · Verified Oct 25, 2026

Bangkok Art Biennale opens October 29 at Wat Arun, Wat Pho and nine other venues

What happened

Bangkok · Oct 25 · The fifth Bangkok Art Biennale, themed "Angels & Mara," runs from Thursday, October 29, 2026 to February 28, 2027 at 11 venues: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Prayoon, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), Museum Siam, One Bangkok, centralwOrld, Siam Paragon, the National Museum Bangkok, the Art Centre at Silpakorn University and Alliance Française Bangkok. The lineup features 72 Thai and international artists and collectives.

Why it matters

It's one of the city's biggest cultural events, spread across temples and malls you can reach by BTS, MRT or river boat, and it runs for four months.

Who it affects

Residents and visitors looking for things to do through February.

What you should do

Check bkkartbiennale.com for opening events and admission before you go. Temples charge their usual entry fees and expect modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand · Also: ArtAsiaPacific · Verified Oct 25, 2026