Officials are clamping down on Thailand's thriving 'cannabis culture' as lawmakers seek to outlaw recreational cannabis by the end of the year.

A draft bill banning the narcotic is up for cabinet approval, leaving the future of thousands of cannabis shops and dispensaries - which have mushroomed since cannabis was decriminalised in June 2022 - uncertain.

Proponents said the nascent industry of tens of thousands of gaudy, neon-lit shops selling marijuana was driving economic growth.

However, bungling Thai authorities have blamed the unregulated use of the substance for allegedly fuelling drug abuse.

Dishevelled foreigners smoking the drug have also become a regular sight in tourist hotspots across the country.

Under the proposed amended law, those who smoke cannabis for recreation may be fined up to 60,000 Baht, while vendors supplying cannabis and cannabis extracts may be jailed for up to a year, fined 100,000 Baht, or both.

Medical use of the narcotic is still permitted.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said: 'It's an issue of great concern to us, because the legal gap has led to free use of cannabis, and there aren't enough regulations to prevent misuse.

'This bill will control cannabis, especially its buds, just as strictly as we would a drug.'