Health officials in Phuket are set to conduct weekly random inspections of cannabis shops and venues across the island, as announced by the Chief of Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), Dr Kusak Kukkiattikoon. The move is part of a campaign aimed at regulating the island’s overwhelming cannabis industry.

 

The primary objective of the cannabis shop inspections is to ensure that licensed vendors advise their customers against smoking marijuana in a manner that creates unpleasant odors and smoke, potentially causing a nuisance to the public.

 

While cannabis has been legalized with little regulation, the smell and smoke from lighting up in public can be criminally charged as a public nuisance carrying fines of up to 20,000 baht. It should also be noted that smoking in cannabis shops is still illegal, no matter how common it may be.

 

Currently, Phuket houses 1,451 business operators holding licences to sell marijuana. These cannabis shops facing surprise inspections are spread across the island with 502 in Kathu District, 222 in Thalang District, and 729 in Mueang District. The PPHO chief explained the strategy of the inspections.

 

“To ensure effective control and oversight, a joint effort is being undertaken by the Provincial Public Health Office of the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Office, the District Public Health Office, the administrative organizations, the police and local government entities. We will perform unannounced weekly inspections, often during nighttime hours, to discourage [the breaking of laws], as well as advising and ensuring adherence to regulations.”

 

He warned of legal consequences for violators, including potential suspension or withdrawal of their distribution licenses. Penalties can go up to 20,000 baht in fines, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Several marijuana shops have already faced prosecution for operating without a license.

 

By Neill Fronde

Caption: Dr Kusak warns of continual inspections on cannabis shops and discusses the laws and regulations. (via PR Phuket)

 

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/cannabis_news/phuket-health-officials-target-cannabis-shop-inspections-amid-growing-industry

 

-- Thaiger 2023-08-22

 

- 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.

 

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bib wait i am coming to open shop very soon. great time to get in. the fire sale is on. high season is going to be huge. 

 

good to see they are cleaning up the riff raff. 

Legal Action Taken Against 31 Cannabis Shops in Phuket
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – Legal action is being taken against 13 unlicensed cannabis shops in Phuket and 18 cannabis shop licenses were paused.

 

 

The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office Chief Doctor Kusak Kookietikun told the Phuket Express on Monday (August 21st). that legal action was being taken against 13 cannabis shops which were unlicensed.

 

Of these, nine shops are in Kathu, two shops are in Mueang Phuket, and two shops are in Thalang. The cannabis shop owners are facing fines of up to 20,000 baht or imprisonment of up to one year or both.

 

Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/08/23/legal-action-taken-against-31-cannabis-shops-in-phuket/

 

-- THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2023-08-23

 

- 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.

 

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That will keep them busy no mention of Rawai, one every 500 meters,