Thailand continues to advance the hemp and cannabis industries toward the global stage through the Asia International Hemp Expo & Forum (AIHEF) 2025 — an international platform connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and organizations from over 40 countries. The event aims to strengthen Thailand’s position as a global hub for production and export of these “new economic crops”, particularly in the fields of health, environment, and sustainable innovation.

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Thailand Positioned as Asia’s Hemp and Cannabis Hub

Mr. Phumjai Khamphaphoto, President of the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TiHTA), revealed that global investors are increasingly interested in Thailand, recognizing the nation’s strong potential to become Asia’s production and export hub for hemp and

cannabis. This is driven by favorable legislation, a robust production system, and a high-quality agricultural base.

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“Thailand has potential in every aspect — from upstream to downstream. But the most important foundation is establishing international standards that reflect the quality and readiness of the industry, enabling Thailand to sustainably emerge as a global hemp hub.”

 

Health Industry Growth Reflects Market Potential

According to the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the number of registered products containing hemp and cannabis ingredients has steadily increased in recent years. Approved registrations cover a range of product categories, including:

 

• 80 food products

• 12 herbal products

• 754 cosmetic products

• 52 licensed cannabis and hemp extract manufacturers

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In addition, Thailand has continued to develop a “Dispensary Blueprint” — a regulated network of medical herbal dispensaries operating under prescription-based systems in compliance with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) standards.

 

Efforts are also underway to promote GAP / GACP / Thailand Cannabis GACP certifications for farms, ensuring product quality and traceability from cultivation to market. As of the latest data from DTAM, 149 hemp and cannabis farms nationwide have been certified under GACP (Good Agricultur

 

Expanding into Green Industry and Environmental Solutions

Beyond medical and wellness applications, hemp is being developed as a sustainable raw material across multiple green industries, such as:

• Hemp textiles and fashion

• Fiberglass substitutes

• Kevlar fiber alternatives

• Hempcrete and eco-construction materials

• Carbon credit crops

 

To support this growth, Thailand’s Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) has already established more than eight hemp industry standards, boosting international credibility and supporting trade expansion.

 

Global Market Outlook — Thailand Ready to Lead Asia

Global projections estimate that the hemp and cannabis market will reach USD 39 billion in 2025, expanding at an average annual growth rate of 30%, and is expected to surpass USD 250 billion by 2033.

 

For Thailand, the domestic hemp and cannabis industry is valued at approximately USD

1.7 billion in 2025, with potential to expand to USD 7.1 billion by 2030, representing an

average annual growth rate of 33%.

 

Meanwhile, the market for alternative hemp-based materials alone was valued at THB 47

billion in 2024, and is expected to grow by 15–20% annually in the coming years.

 

TiHTA Initiates International Collaboration through AIHF

 

The Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TiHTA) also plays a key role in founding the Asia International Hemp Federation (AIHF) — a coalition of 18 hemp associations worldwide.

 

Thailand serves as the host country, leading regional efforts to promote cooperation and elevate the hemp industry across Asia.

 

The Asia International Hemp Expo & Forum (AIHEF) 2025, taking place from 5–7 November 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, will serve as a central platform for connecting Thai entrepreneurs with international partners. The event will feature business-matching sessions, knowledge exchanges, and trade discussions, creating new and sustainable economic opportunities for Thailand on the global stage.