Let’s be honest, navigating health laws in Thailand can feel like trying to read a prescription with your eyes closed.
But here’s what just happened:
The Ministry of Public Health released a formal update on who’s officially allowed to carry out duties under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act and it’s a pretty big deal.
This isn’t just paperwork. It affects how and where people in Thailand can legally access medical prescriptions related to Thai traditional medicine, including modern treatments like herbal therapies and licensed flower-based remedies.
And if you’re in Phuket or any part of Thailand looking for clarity on how to stay legal while accessing these services—this one’s for you.
Medical Cannabis Prescription in Phuket
The Thai Traditional Medicine Act has been in place since 1999 (B.E. 2542), and it’s been revised to keep up with the times especially as medical cannabis in Thailand became legal under certain conditions in recent years.
The 2025 update (officially released on September 5, 2022, but enforced today) revokes two previous versions of the announcement and introduces a new, expanded list of recognized officers across the entire country.
This helps clear up a long-standing question:
“Who exactly can issue or approve a medical prescription or alternative treatment plan under Thai law?”
It now includes everyone from the Permanent Secretary of Public Health to your local hospital director and even nurses and pharmacists under the right conditions.
So… Who Can Actually Do Give Medical Cannabis Prescription in Phuket
Let’s break down exactly who’s allowed to carry out duties under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act according to this update:
🔹 Top-Level Officers (Policy + Supervision)
- Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health
- Deputy Permanent Secretary
- Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine
- Directors of departments and agencies inside this department
💬 These are the decision-makers at the top. They set direction and manage coordination across Thailand.
🔹 Provincial Officers (Implementation in Each Region)
- Provincial Governor
- Deputy Governor
- Chief and Deputy Provincial Medical Officers
- District Public Health Officers
💬 These folks are the link between national policy and your local town. They make sure laws are followed and programs are running.
🔹 Local Healthcare Leaders (Direct Services)
- Directors of general, community, or provincial hospitals
- Heads of service units, health groups, or sub-divisions in public health offices
💬 If you’re seeking a medical cannabis prescription in Phuket, there’s a good chance one of these officers is behind the approval—especially if you’re getting care from a public clinic or hospital.
🔹 Designated Professionals for Medical Cannabis in Thailand(Where It Gets Practical)
This is where it gets more relatable for everyday people.
Under this act, the following are now legally empowered to carry out duties under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act when assigned:
- Thai traditional doctors
- Chinese medicine doctors
- Modern medical doctors
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Nurses
- Medical technicians
- Public health academics
- Health promotion officers
- And even scientific officers or analysts in health-related agencies
⚠️ The key phrase here is “when assigned”. Not every doctor or nurse automatically qualifies they must be officially entrusted with these duties, often by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
But this expansion is a game-changer. It means you no longer need to travel to Bangkok or find a hyper-specific clinic to get help. Many local professionals across Phuket and other provinces now have the legal authority to assist.
🌿 What Does This Mean for You & The Medical Weed in Phuket
Let’s break it down for the tourist, the expat, and the local Thai citizen alike.
If you’re trying to get:
- A prescription for Thai herbal treatment
- A medical cannabis recommendation
- Or simply consult a health provider who understands the law…
You now have more access points than ever. That’s especially helpful if you’re based in Phuket, where both private and public health sectors are growing fast to meet demand.
In fact, many of these officers are already working with clinics, pharmacies, and wellness providers you might recognize.
And yes Phuket High can help you connect with licensed doctors for medical consultations through our VIP Program, which includes streamlined access to medical prescriptions (legally and quickly).
👉 Learn how our VIPs get medical prescription support in this blog
🔄 What Changed From the Previous Announcements?
This 2025 officer list isn’t just a cosmetic update, it replaced two older announcements from 2022. Here’s what’s new:
- Wider Officer Recognition
The new announcement recognizes more on-the-ground professionals like hospital directors, nurses, pharmacists, and public health officials not just top brass in the Ministry. - Clarity on Roles and Assignments
This version makes it crystal clear: you must be assigned duties under the Act to carry them out legally. That means even if someone is a licensed doctor or nurse, they need official designation to offer Thai traditional medicine services or sign off on herbal therapy prescriptions. - Decentralization
By empowering regional leaders and local clinics, the government is making medical access more efficient, regionally adaptable, and culturally grounded.
This isn’t just better for the system, it’s better for the people who need access now.
What This Means for Patients & Cannabis laws in Thailand Today
This new structure changes how medical cannabis prescriptions, herbal therapies, and other treatments tied to Thai Traditional Medicine are handled.
Here’s what that means for you:
✅ Easier Access in More Locations
You don’t have to fly to Bangkok or visit a rare clinic anymore. Public hospitals, local health centers, and even select pharmacies across Thailand can now be part of the system. As long as the right officer is present.
That means less red tape and shorter waiting times for getting:
- A legal prescription for Thai herbal remedies
- Consultations with qualified traditional medicine doctors
- Medical cannabis prescriptions tied to licensed Thai practitioners
💡 Always Ask If the Person Issuing Your Recommendation is Authorized.
Just because someone works in a hospital or wears a lab coat doesn’t mean they’re legally allowed to issue a medical cannabis prescription in Thailand. Under this Act, they must be appointed and assigned that role.
At Phuket High, we only work with verified doctors and clinics so you’re never guessing.
Why This Matters for Medical Cannabis in Phuket Users
Let’s zoom in on the herb for a second.
While Thailand allows medical use of flower-based products, you still need a valid prescription. And this updated law directly affects who can issue those prescriptions.
📌 TL;DR:
If the person giving you a prescription isn’t on the appointed officer list or not officially assigned to the task it might not hold up legally.
This is especially important for:
- Tourists who want to stay compliant
- Locals seeking consistent access
- Expats who are trying to go the legal route
💬 “The goal is to protect patients and regulate quality, not create confusion. But knowing who you’re dealing with is key.” – Cilicon Plus: Why Medical Cannabis Needs a Regulatory Framework
👀 What About Teledoctors or Online Consults?
Good question.
Telemedicine services that issue prescriptions must also work with authorized officers under this updated act. So if you’re using an online platform to get your medical cannabis prescription in Phuket, it’s worth checking that:
- The doctor is licensed in Thailand
- The doctor is authorized to prescribe under the Thai Traditional Medicine Act
This is exactly why Phuket High only connects patients with registered Thai teledoctors we know and trust.
We’ve even put together a full breakdown on how our VIP members can get medical prescriptions efficiently through this route.
👉 See how VIPs at Phuket High get medical prescription support
🧠 Want to Learn More About the Law?
If you want to geek out on the exact clauses, the original announcement is available via Thai government archives. For broader context on how Thailand fits into global standards of alternative medicine regulation, check this:
🔗 World Health Organization: WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023
This framework has influenced many countries—including Thailand—in how they balance traditional practices with modern public health standards.
🌴 Navigating It All with Phuket High
We get it. the legal stuff is dense. That’s why we keep it simple for our community.
At Phuket High, we’ll:
- Connect you with authorized Thai teledoctors
- Help you understand what’s legal (and what’s not)
- Get your medical paperwork sorted properly
- Keep everything by the book—while still keeping it chill
If you’re trying to get your medical cannabis prescription in Phuket, we got you.
Already a VIP member? Your consult is covered as part of your benefits.
Not yet a member? You’re one conversation away.
👉 Check out our blog on becoming a VIP at Phuket High
Medical Cannabis in Phuket Access has Changed.. For the Better.
Thailand is leveling up its approach to traditional medicine making it easier, safer, and more accessible. And with more officers now empowered to help, the system’s catching up to where the demand already is.
But with new access comes new responsibility. Stay sharp, go through legit channels, and don’t get caught out.
📍 Phuket High is your home base for trusted help, solid guidance, and everything you need to enjoy flower legally and stress-free in Thailand.