Cannabis License Suspensions & Revocations in Thailand: What Happens if You Break the Rules

Running a cannabis business in Thailand means playing by the rules at least since 1st of August, and the Ministry of Public Health has a clear penalty framework for anyone holding a Controlled Herb (Cannabis) license.

Unlike general compliance guides, this post is about what happens after you make a mistake. It’s your survival map if you want to avoid suspension… or worse, losing your license entirely.

If you haven’t already, I recommend reading our full Thailand Cannabis Compliance guide first. That article explains how to stay compliant — especially with PorThor 27, 28, 29, and 33 forms — and how to submit reports correctly.

This article is different: here, we focus on the penalties issued by DTAM (Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine) when those rules are broken.

Where This Comes From

These suspension and revocation guidelines were issued directly by DTAM and have been circulated among industry associations, licensed operators, and others close to the officials. They’re not widely available online, but they’re exactly what regulators use when deciding how to act after a violation.

Why This Matters

Licenses aren’t permanent. Every violation comes with a set number of suspension days, and some breaches mean instant revocation. The penalties escalate fast, especially for repeat offenses — and “I didn’t know” won’t save you.

Knowing the exact triggers and consequences means you can put systems in place to avoid them entirely.

Key Takeaways

These penalties are official DTAM policy — not suggestions.

Some violations allow for correction, others result in immediate license loss.

Repeat offenses escalate quickly, often with no second warning.

DTAM Penalty Guidelines

1. Reporting Failures — The #1 Risk

Under PorThor 27, 28, 29, and 33, you must submit regular reports about:

Cannabis source

Inventory levels

Sales data

Prescriptions

DTAM penalties:

Minor mistakes or wrong format → 7–10 days suspension

No report at all → 14 days suspension

Repeated mistakes after a warning → 30 days suspension

False information or ignoring directives → License revoked

💡 In our compliance article, we explain the correct format and process so you never fall into this trap.

2. Export Reporting

For export license holders, every shipment must be reported with correct details.

Missed once → 14 days suspension

Wrong details → 30 days suspension

Continued violations → License revoked

3. On-Site Smoking & Professional Oversight

Cannabis for medical purposes can only be sold under the supervision of a licensed professional — pharmacist, doctor, dentist, or qualified traditional medicine practitioner.

Violations:

Allowing on-site smoking → 30 days suspension

Repeating after suspension → License revoked

4. Unapproved Sources

You can only sell cannabis from DTAM-approved suppliers and must store it correctly.

Violation → 30 days suspension

5. Vending Machines & Unlicensed Online Sales

DTAM bans cannabis sales via vending machines and unlicensed online platforms.

First offense → 30 days suspension

Repeat after suspension → License revoked

6. Advertising

Promoting cannabis commercially triggers escalating penalties:

1st offense → 7 days suspension

2nd → 14 days suspension

3rd → 30 days suspension

4th → License revoked

7. Selling in Prohibited Locations

Cannabis sales are banned in:

Temples or religious sites

Dormitories

Zoos, amusement parks, public parks

Violation → Immediate license revocation

8. Failure to Display Your License

Your license must be visible at all times and shown to inspectors upon request:

1st violation → 7 days suspension

2nd → 14 days suspension

3rd → 30 days suspension

4th → License revoked

The Bottom Line

Our main Thailand Cannabis Compliance guide explains how to meet DTAM requirements and file your PorThor reports correctly.

This DTAM penalty framework shows what happens if you don’t. In an industry this regulated, prevention is always easier — and cheaper — than recovery.

Put reporting systems in place, train your team, and monitor your operations closely. A single oversight can mean weeks of closure or the permanent loss of your license.