The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has warned vendors against getting involved in New Year parties where cannabis is used as part of the celebrations.

DTAM director-general Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong on Tuesday responded to public concerns that some shop owners may organise "cannabis parties" during New Year festivities despite the Public Health Ministry's cannabis control regulations.

Dr Thongchai said whenever his department receives such complaints, it immediately assigns its staff to inspect the relevant venues to see whether they comply with cannabis control regulations.

If vendors are found to be illegally distributing cannabis without a licence, legal action will surely follow. If people are found to be smoking cannabis flowers, they will be arrested, he said.

Dr Thongchai said that vendors must ask permission from the department to sell the plant under agreed conditions. So far 12 offenders have been arrested by police, he said.

When asked whether authorities are required to inspect particular parties that may be associated with cannabis, Dr Thongchai said police must prioritise monitoring other New Year activities that increase the risk of road accidents, particularly drinking.

However, police will continue inspecting cannabis vendors to ensure they are legal and do not sell the plant’s flowers until the cannabis law is officially issued, he said. Staff from the department will also join police in inspecting street vendors who are spotted distributing cannabis illegally, and violators will be arrested.

He also stressed the department has worked with provincial public health offices and police to regulate the distribution of cannabis flowers among vendors.

Asked if police could prosecute people smoking cannabis at home, Dr Thongchai said police could do so if users’ pot smoke disturbs their neighbourhood, which is considered in breach of the Health Department's announcement.