Thai Authorities Raid Cannabis Shop in Khon Kaen, Discover Underage Users

In a recent crackdown on illegal cannabis sales, authorities in Khon Kaen, Thailand, raided a cannabis shop and discovered a group of underage youths consuming cannabis and kratom. The raid, conducted on June 25, 2025, was part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Public Health to enforce new regulations limiting cannabis use to medical purposes only

The operation was led by local police, administrative officials, and public health officers who targeted the shop named Yan Kan in Khon Kaen city. The shop, located along Kasikorn Thung Sang Road, was found to be in violation of regulations that prohibit the sale of cannabis to minors and require proper licensing. This follows the Ministry's recent announcement to tighten control over cannabis distribution

Upon entering the premises, officers found ten youths, aged 13 to 17, gathered around tables with cannabis products and paraphernalia. The items included dried cannabis flowers, bongs, and other smoking equipment. Despite the presence of law enforcement, the youths appeared too intoxicated to flee, highlighting the severity of the situation

The shop also had a counter displaying various cannabis strains for sale, along with kratom and cough syrup, which were reportedly offered to customers. A further search revealed a large pot of boiling kratom leaves and evidence of methamphetamine use, raising concerns about the shop's operations and its impact on local youth

The investigation identified a 16-year-old girl as the shop's caretaker, who claimed she was hired by the owner, known only as Mr. Name, to manage the shop for 300 baht per day. The girl stated that the shop had been operating for two weeks, primarily serving teenagers and students. Despite repeated raids, the elusive owner remains at large, often claiming to be out of town

Dr. Ekachai Piansriwatchara, an inspector from the Ministry of Public Health, emphasized the government's commitment to regulating cannabis strictly for medical use. He stressed that shops must adhere to legal guidelines, which include not selling to minors or pregnant women and requiring prescriptions for sales. Non-compliance could lead to license suspension or legal action

Khon Kaen's public health office has issued 273 licenses for cannabis-related activities, with 227 still active. The office continues to monitor compliance, having already taken legal action against three unlicensed shops. As the government enforces stricter regulations, it aims to ensure that cannabis use remains safe and controlled, minimizing its impact on society