Hundreds of thousands of cannabis shops are facing closure as dopey Thai authorities have performed an epic u-turn - vowing to ban recreational marijuana use in the country by the end of the year.

Thailand saw a surge of neon-lit cannabis dispensaries after the substance was decriminalised in June 2022 during former army general Prayut Chan-o-cha's leadership, with impoverished farmers hoping it would become a new cash crop.

However, government officials are now furiously backpedalling amid an explosion in mental health complaints and gaudy shops that have attracted an even lower class of holidaymakers than the country's infamous sex tourists - stoners.

Officials will now outlaw recreational cannabis, blaming poorly regulated use for allegedly fuelling drug abuse.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said: 'I want the health ministry to amend the rules and re-list cannabis as a narcotic.

'The ministry should quickly issue a rule to allow its usage for health and medical purposes only.'

The former property developer added that drugs were a problem that threatened Thailand's future and youth, urging officials to work quickly to 'confiscate assets and expand treatment.'

Under the proposed amended law, those who smoke cannabis for recreation will 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.

Critics pointed out that prostitution is illegal in the country but is ubiquitous and operates openly due to backhanders to police, raising the possibility that the cannabis shops will remain open in tourist regions as long as local forces turn a blind eye.