The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued a reminder that people must seek approval to process and produce kratom products.
Withit Saritdeechaikul, deputy secretary-general of the FDA, said kratom was removed from Thailand's narcotics list on Aug 24 and people can now grow, possess, trade or consume it.
However, those who want to manufacture kratom products, including medication, dietary and herbal products, must have production permits from the FDA before the goods can be supplied, he said.
Departments have been assigned to advise people on the permit, he said.
The plant's medicinal properties have been recognised in Thailand's medical community, he said.
However, consumers should listen to advice from experts to avoid adverse side-effects, he said.
Wichai Chaimongkol, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, said Japan was interested in the legalisation of kratom and as following events in Thailand.
It was looking to exchange research findings with Thailand to develop a treatment for drug addiction.