The Ministry of Public Health has announced moves to make cannabis use in Thailand for medicinal purposes only, allowing shops a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating.

The change aims to ensure access to cannabis for medical treatment under the supervision of authorised personnel, including doctors, Thai traditional medicine practitioners and certified staff who have completed relevant training courses, the public health minister said on Wednesday.

There are about 11,000 registered cannabis shops nationwide, with their permits set to expire over the next three years, the minister said, adding that around 40% of permits expire each year.

Public health officials estimated that process is complete, there would be about 2,000 licensed clinics remaining.

Thailand was the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022 but has struggled to regulate and contain its use.

Creating a cannabis economy was a policy of Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. He issued a ministerial announcement removing cannabis from the narcotics list in 2022 when he was the public health minister in the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

However, the absence of a law and clear regulations led to a free-for-all, with cannabis shops proliferating all over the country. Widespread recreational use, especially in tourist areas, has led to frequent public complaints.

Four years later, there is still no law, although it is expected that Mr Anutin and Bhumjaithai will move to clarify the legislation once the government he heads formally takes office later this month.