By Adam Judd

 

National — The Bangkok Governor said he could smell marijuana joint smoke while routinely jogging on Khao San Road and was “concerned”.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Friday, August 12th, “I was out for jogging on Khao San Road today, and I could smell joint’s smoke. It is quite concerning because it might have a long-term effect.” The smoke, according to him, was in the breeze, and he was certain it was the smell of marijuana.”

 

The governor did not clarify how he knew what marijuana smelled like when asked by some netizens.

 

Then, the governor’s statement became widely debated on social media because he said it during his routine Facebook Live with tens of thousands of viewers.

 

Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2022/08/14/bangkok-governor-concerned-about-alleged-open-marijuana-smoking-on-khao-san-road/

 

-- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2022-08-15

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

13 minutes ago, webfact said:

I was out for jogging on Khao San Road today, and I could smell joint’s smoke

Yep, I regularly smell the Ganja when out and about. 

 

It doesn't bother me but it's going to be a nightmare for authorities to control. 

 

27 minutes ago, webfact said:

“I was out for jogging on Khao San Road today, and I could smell joint’s smoke. It is quite concerning because it might have a long-term effect.”

Was he concerned that he inhaled?

Why are so many really bright people, like Khun Chadchart (PhD) and doctors refuse to accept the Science? 

Everything we consume has its risks. 

We get it. Demonizing drugs just because an arsehat like Harry Anslinger had a bigotry problem is a terrible way to run the world in 2022.

If they don't like drugs, fine. Say so. Nobody is forcing them or thiers to take them.

But quit the scaremongering BS!

 

Ganja floating in the outside breeze is almost impossible to pinpoint unless you're very near the user, good luck with them public nuisance fines. 

 

I can think of far worse "aromas" in the world right now, such as the eye-watering assault to the senses from fetid Thai khlongs, or the nightly war-zone stench of burning trash in the Phillipines, with a special mention to the eau-de-cadaver fragrance of Cebu City garbage mountain that blows across the strait to the resort island of Mactan, what a wonderful accompaniment to a sunset beer!

 

 

Then there's the reek of Indonesian Kretek, the clove-scented tobacco, that kills millions, even as they fly into a blind moral  panic at the mere  mention of cannabis!

 

All olfactory reminders that there are far worse evils in this world to wake up to -and deal with; than a bit of herbal happiness. 

Edited August 14, 20223 yr by chalawaan

but smell was coming rather from some hotel room, he hasn't seen anybody smoking.

So as smell of tobacco.

As public ganja smoking is not allowed the only place tourist can get puff is hotel room (if indeed it's a smoking room).  

It's double standard law - tobacco is tolerated in many more public places

Who'd have thought the area might become a hotspot for hippy back backers smoking weed ! Lack of forethought of Thai government is stunning 

5 minutes ago, internationalism said:

but smell was coming rather from some hotel room, he hasn't seen anybody smoking.

So as smell of tobacco.

As public ganja smoking is not allowed the only place tourist can get puff is hotel room (if indeed it's a smoking room).  

It's double standard law - tobacco is tolerated in many more public places

The rule about public smoking of ganja, has a caveat.

 

If the public place is set aside as a "reefer" bar, there is no restriction smoking weed in that bar, tobacco is still banned, because second hand tobacco smoke is far more carcinogenic than cannabis smoke. 

 

 

The only other current restriction is that if a member of the public makes a complaint to police, then they will take action under the public nusciance laws.

There has to be an actual complaint before the law is able to take effect! 

 

15 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Who'd have thought the area might become a hotspot for hippy back backers smoking weed ! Lack of forethought of Thai government is stunning 

The last of the "Hippy backpackers" grew up and got real jobs in the mid 1980s.

The current  "Zoomer" (Gen Z) backpackers are far more sophisticated drug users, as evidenced by the full moon party drug "menus".

 

Weed is also used by them as a "come-down" from amphetamines, or as a potentiator of other chemicals, such as Acid, psylocybe, MDMA, Ket, etc.

Also, outside of conservative propaganda, there's no scientific evidence that cannabis is a "gateway" drug. 

Edited August 14, 20223 yr by chalawaan

22 minutes ago, chalawaan said:

If the public place is set aside as a "reefer" bar, there is no restriction smoking weed in that bar, tobacco is still banned, because second hand tobacco smoke is far more carcinogenic than cannabis smoke.

So are you not allowed to smoke joints rolled with a weed-tobacco mix in these bars?

I'll take weed smell over cigar or cig smell any day of the week...

jog on govner

The last few times I've been there, the smell was obvious.

If people want to enjoy a joint in open air, good luck to them... I'd like a wee toke, myself... but no more.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Friday, August 12th, “I was out for jogging on Khao San Road today, and I could smell joint’s smoke. It is quite concerning because it might have a long-term effect.” The smoke, according to him, was in the breeze, and he was certain it was the smell of marijuana.”

No worse than the sewers.

I'd be more worried about the air quality due to his buses belching out black smog everywhere.

I thought it was good news when Chadchart was elected. Now I'm not so sure.

 .....but he doesn't object to cigarette smoke apparently.

Edited August 15, 20223 yr by Thingamabob

9 hours ago, chalawaan said:

All olfactory reminders that there are far worse evils in this world to wake up to -and deal with; than a bit of herbal happiness. 

Yes. If you were downwind of a young me relieving flatulence after consuming six pints of draft Double Diamond you would have something to gasp about.......????

I suspect that the many of tourists who frequent Khao San Road have probably sampled weed before at some point and therefore know exactly what to expect.

 

If people are offended by the smell of cannabis then try another venue!