Kratom removed from narcotics list, paving way for new cash crop

The delisting announced in the Royal Gazette follows an amendment passed by Parliament in January to legalise the plant, which has been used as a traditional herbal remedy in Thailand for centuries.

The legalisation of kratom will come into effect 90 days from today’s announcement.

"To be in line with international principles and the context of Thai society in areas that consume kratom, it is necessary to delist kratom as a narcotic," the announcement read.

Thailand’s stance on kratom began changing at the end of 2019 after the government legalised the production, possession, and use of cannabis and kratom for medical purposes.