The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has defended its raid on a marijuana farming facility in Suphan Buri, warning that officials could face charges of dereliction of duty if they fail to do their jobs properly.
ONCB secretary-general Niyom Termsrisuk said yesterday the raid was undertaken after the agency and police looked into reports on social media claiming cannabis oil was being distributed to the public for medical use at temples in Phichit and Lop Buri.
He said the investigation led to a search at the Kwan Kaw Foundation in Suphan Buri, where drug suppression officials found about 200 marijuana plants, 20 litres of cannabis oil, 1.8 kilogrammes of seeds and 500 grammes of what was described as "marijuana powder".
Mr Niyom said possession of marijuana is illegal under the amended Narcotics Act and police were merely enforcing the law when they placed one of the foundation staff under arrest and confiscated those items.
Foundation employee Pornchai Choolert was arrested during the raid on April 3 on charges of illegally cultivating and possessing marijuana. Decha Siripat, president of the foundation, who was overseas during the raid, was summonsed to answer similar charges.
The crackdown sparked a public outcry with critics questioning if the raid was legitimate, as both producers and patients were informed at the end of February they would have three months to register with the authorities.
"Those who are in possession of marijuana must comply with all the conditions. Those who are deemed legally qualified [to possess it] are required to seek permits. Patients or other groups must register. It doesn't mean they are exempt from legal action," Mr Niyom said.
He also allayed public concern about major pharmaceutical companies benefitting from the amended law, which allows for the cultivation and use of marijuana for medical and research purposes under strict supervision.
He said the law states that for the first five years only government agencies, or bodies working in collaboration with state agencies, can be granted permits.
Mr Niyom said only two state agencies have been given permits to grow marijuana products for medical use: the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
Mr Pornchai's supporters are seeking donations to raise bail.
