A NEW draft law is being worked out to control the consumption of kratom once the draft Narcotics Act to remove it from the drugs list is passed by Parliament, Sanook.com reported this morning (October 13, 2020).
After the Cabinet approved in principle to remove kratom from the drugs list in March this year, a draft law to do this was sent to the Council of State, the government’s legal arm, to consider, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said.
The council opined that while kratom would no longer be a narcotic drug once this legislation is passed, laws are still necessary to control its use.
The Cabinet then approved in principle the drafting of Kratom Act, as proposed by the Justice Ministry, to allow the use of kratom for medical purposes and closing of any loopholes that would enable youths to consume it.
Meanwhile the draft Narcotics Act is heading for the House of Representatives for deliberation.
Under this new draft law, it is forbidden to import or export kratom unless authorized by the Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board (NACC). Lawbreakers face maximum two years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht.
The new law will forbid the sale of kratom to those under 18 years of age and pregnant women nor will they, in turn, be allowed to sell this product. Lawbreakers face maximum two years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 200,000 baht.
It will be forbidden to sell kratom in some places such as schools, dormitories, parks, zoos, amusement parks or over the internet. Violators face maximum 40,000 baht fine.
It will also be forbidden to advertise or market kratom with violators facing six months imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 500,000 baht.
While people under 18 years of age will be forbidden from consuming kratom, those over 18 years of age will be prohibited from consuming kratom 4 x 100 (mixed with drugs and other active substances). It will also be illegal to encourage anyone under the age of 18 or pregnant women to consume kratom with violators facing maximum 2,000 baht fine.
CAPTION:
Top: Some kratom leaves. Thai headline says, “not a drug.” Photo: Sanook.com
