Yes, Kratom is legal in Thailand as of 2024, following the 2021 decriminalization of its leaves and cultivation. The Narcotics Act B.E. 2564 (2021) reclassified kratom from a Category 5 narcotic to a controlled herb, permitting regulated use under strict conditions. However, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) impose stringent controls on production, distribution, and consumption to mitigate abuse risks.
Key Regulations for Kratom in Thailand
- Cultivation Restrictions: Only licensed farmers may grow kratom, with mandatory registration through provincial agricultural authorities. Unauthorized cultivation remains illegal and subject to penalties under the Narcotics Act.
- Sales and Distribution: Kratom products must be registered with the FDA, which enforces labeling requirements, THC-free thresholds, and prohibits sales to minors or via unlicensed vendors. Online sales are restricted to licensed pharmacies.
- Consumption Limits: Public consumption is banned in designated areas (e.g., schools, government buildings) under local ordinances. Possession of raw leaves exceeding 10 kilograms triggers ONCB scrutiny for potential diversion.
The 2026 compliance framework further tightens cross-border trafficking enforcement, aligning with ASEAN drug control protocols. Violations may result in fines up to 500,000 THB or imprisonment under the amended Public Health Act.