BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai authorities tightened controls on hemp sales by launching a new digital monitoring system that pinpointed licensed and illegal outlets nationwide.
Strict monitoring for hemp traders
The Ministry of Public Health relied on new technology to closely monitor the sale of hemp across the country. A system called Medizin-Cannabis-G-I-S recorded every licensed shop nationwide.
Doctor Thewan Thaneerat said on Tuesday that the move was intended to create greater clarity and stronger oversight.
“This step is meant to bring more clarity and better supervision.”
said Thewan, who added that the platform provided security for citizens and investigators while new laws were still being drafted.
According to the ministry, the system was designed to ensure that only approved operators could legally trade or process the plant. Until the revised legislation was finalized, officials viewed the platform as an interim control tool.
Thousands of shops forced to close
Figures from the authorities illustrated the scope of the tougher rules for vendors. A total of 18,517 businesses had been registered to trade or process hemp.
In 2025, however, 7,131 of these outlets had to close after failing to renew their licenses. Only 11,386 shops were still operating on a legal basis.
Officials pointed to the closures as evidence that the new regime was already reshaping the market. Licensed traders who met the stricter conditions continued operating, while others dropped out of the system.
Citizens help track illegal shops
The new platform was made publicly accessible online and displayed authorized locations as well as cultivation areas. People could check whether a shop in their neighborhood had a valid permit at all.
Suspicious businesses without proper papers could be reported directly to the authorities via an app. Officials said this was intended to increase transparency and improve the protection of the population.
The participation of residents effectively turned the system into a nationwide surveillance network. Authorities expected that citizen reports would help them act more quickly against unlicensed outlets.
Health over high
Behind the strict monitoring stood a clear goal of the government in Bangkok. Hemp was to be used exclusively for preventive healthcare and medical treatments.
The ministry aimed to restore public trust and prevent abuse consistently. The digital map helped officials detect violations more quickly and intervene immediately.
Authorities stressed that the focus was on healing rather than intoxication. They argued that tighter control was necessary to separate medical use from recreational consumption.