A couple were rushed to a hospital after collapsing from eating cannabis cookies in Thailand.

Filipino national Lattrell and his girlfriend Chanisara, both 28, reportedly tucked into several astronaut-shaped cookies laced with THC - a psychoactive component found in marijuana - before passing out in their room in 'Sin City' Pattaya on November 25.

Oficers said they received a report from Chanisara's mother at around 4:16 am claiming her daughter had been drugged. They arrived at the couple's condominium in the Bang Lamung district, but received no response when they knocked.

Staff unlocked the door and officers found a shirtless Lattrell, from Manila, the Philippines, sprawled unconscious on the floor. Chanisara was in her bedroom alive but unresponsive. Medics administered first aid and took them to a hospital.

Police said no signs of assault or a struggle were found at the scene. They seized as evidence several half-eaten cannabis cookies on the dining table and in the trash can.

Chanisara's mother said: 'My daughter called for help saying that she had taken drugs. I was worried so I called the police before rushing here. We found both of them unconscious in the room. I do not want to believe that they had eaten the cannabis cookies.'

A police spokesman said: 'We suspect that both of them had eaten the cookies containing cannabis, which caused them to become heavily intoxicated and go into shock. We have to wait until both of them recover before asking about the cause.

‘The police would like to warn youths or teenagers to be cautious when eating snacks or food containing THC, and to consume them in appropriate portions as they may be harmful.'

Concerned residents have reported the brazen and unregulated sale of alcohol and kratom-infused drinks in the city, which has been likened to a 'drugs Wild West'.

On November 22, Laotian vendor Paiwan Onnalee was arrested at a beach in Pattaya for illegally selling kratom potions, which are controlled products in Thailand. He denied the charge and was hauled to the station for investigation.

Police fear the area is becoming a haven for illegal vendors who flout the law by openly selling beer and kratom cocktails without a license. Despite frequent patrols, they continue to run rampant along the beaches to peddle the banned products.

Kratom was made legal in Thailand in August 2021, when the government removed it from the list of controlled narcotics. However, laws were established to regulate its sale. Selling kratom leaves and products to children under 18, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers is forbidden, with a fine of up to 30,000 baht. 

Those selling kratom products at educational institutions, dormitories, public parks, zoos, and amusement parks, as well as from vending machines, may be fined up to 50,000 baht. While importing or exporting kratom leaves without permission may be punishable with up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of 100,000 baht.

Cannabis with less than 0.2 per cent THC was decriminalised in Thailand in June 2022, as a potential cash crop for impoverished farmers. However, bungling officials are now seeking to outlaw its recreational use amid a surge in gaudy shops, mental health complaints, and violent tourists.

Possession, cultivation, distribution, consumption, and sales of all parts of the cannabis plant are permitted, but cannabis extracts and products that contain more than 0.2 per cent THC by weight are classified as Category 5 narcotics.

The import and export of cannabis are also strictly regulated.

Additionally, the sale of cannabis plant parts, products, and edibles is prohibited to people under 20 years old, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Cannabis smoking is allowed for personal use in private areas but remains prohibited in public spaces.