The government filed for withdrawing the charges against Hok Chun Anthony Kwan on December 30, 2015, in the Samut Prakan provincial court where he was on trial, the court's officials told The Associated Press.
Kwan accepted the government stance and the court ended the case on January 29, they said.
The officials cannot be identified under court protocol. It was not clear what prompted the change of heart in the government, which had faced criticism for punishing Kwan for possessing items that journalists routinely carry in dangerous situations.
Kwan works for the Hong Kong-based Initium media group. He earlier worked on the Minnesota Daily newspaper while attending the University of Minnesota.
His lawyer, Pawinee Chumsri, said he pleaded not guilty to the charge of weapons possession after being indicted by the court. Pawinee confirmed today that the case has been dropped. Kwan, who was freed on bail, was not immediately available for comment.
Many large news organisations require their staff to wear protective gear in dangerous situations.
In a statement today, the Foreign Correspondent of Thailand welcomed Thailand's decision. It also urged the government to find a way for journalists, "who need to work in dangerous areas, to be able to use appropriate protective equipment legally in Thailand.