Anutin Charnvirakul, dubbed Thailand’s “Cannabis King,” rose to power after leading the country’s bold cannabis decriminalisation. The hemp reform boosted tourism and rural income, propelling Anutin to PMamid political turmoil and regulatory backlash.

'Cannabis king' to Thailand prime minister: Anutin Charnvirakuls' political rise linked to nation's hemp legalisation revolution

Thailand has sought public opinion on draft legislation by the new government which seeks to ban cannabis for recreational use, making a major reversal over a year after the country became the first in Asia to decriminalise the substance.

Thailand seeks public opinion as it moves to ban recreational cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation

After Thailand became the first Asian country to legalise the use of marijuana last year, the drug has become a political football as Thai politicians head for elections next month.

Explained | America’s 'illegal marijuana imports' hurt Thailand’s weed boom as May elections near