Report Phuket to Introduce Cannabis Zones Amid Growing Concerns

[Aussie999]

Well, it seems at least 1 official listens...but here's my take, cannabis was only decriminalised for medicinal purposes, so, why isn't this enforced, a medical certificate is needed, and the issuance randomly followed up. I know I will receive downvotes, and replies, but guess what, I don't give a rat's arse, bitch as much as you want 

[sungod]

1 hour ago, Kenny Boy said:

 

Where is this stale beer smell that weed smokers always talk about?

 

Where is that obnoxious smell of weed that old men always complain about?

[Quentin Zen]

24 minutes ago, jwl53 said:

Same as you.....Complaining 

I'm laughing at the weak humans who must use chemicals to numb themselves to the harsh realities of life.  they google some mental something and self-diagnose anything so they must smoke all day, all night, all day.   one hit is never enough.  

 

Of course, there are medical exceptions...... but most are simply mentally addicted to the routine of smoke, nothing, smoke.

 

I would love the entire world to get high, gamble, drop out of school, and play video games.

 

I will enslave them all.  lol

[Aussie999]

11 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Is cannabis not illegal again?? only for medical use?? 

Decriminalised...but is only for medicinal purposes, always has been, though many will argue the point.

[Olof Karlsson]

I wonder how much Anutins profit in cannabis is??

[Galong]

I eat gummies for medicinal reasons. This also completely avoids me annoying anyone else with smoke. However, my favorite gummies are seemingly no longer available. The shop owner said it was for government reasons. These are rosin-based and fairly strong, therefore, I only require a very small dose. The shop owners said they've only got flowers.  Where's the logic in this? They're forcing me to smoke, which I don't like to do for health reasons and which apparently (potentially) annoys other people.  To me, it should be the other way around: promote edibles and not smoking. 

[Peterphuket]

2 hours ago, DFPhuket said:

My dad used to say, “That’s like closing the barn door after the cows got out.” Telling cannabis shops that have been open for a year or two that they now have to move to a green zone (and expecting they would) feels exactly like that.

 

I’ve been here a while, but the lack of forward thinking still amazes me.

It is the same with many other things, take money for example, it has to be spent immediately, saving for later?
How do you come up with that.

[wensiensheng]

12 hours ago, freedomnow said:

I think the smell is great.....is it offensive to you ?

So distinct.

Yep. Offensive. Sorry.

 

But I don’t like cigarette smoke either. However pot smell is stronger and carries further

[Humpy]

A post from 'freedomnow' .... ''

I think the smell is great.....is it offensive to you ?

So distinct.''   should perhaps read '' distinked '' !!!?

[paul1804]

Its typical of Thailands completely ineffective lawmakers & enforcers where they pass laws and then ignore that everyone is breaking the law. 

I know its their country but its so blatantly obvious what is missing in Thailand, Its called "town planning" where the authorities have a strategic plan for development within laws and guide lines set out by the powers that be. 

This Cannabis situation is completely crazy, there should be a set number of licenses issued and thats it, those with a license operate within the guidelines, ie if its for medicinal purposes only then enforce the rule of law that was recently passed. 

 

 

[Bohemianfish]

55 minutes ago, Galong said:

I eat gummies for medicinal reasons. This also completely avoids me annoying anyone else with smoke. However, my favorite gummies are seemingly no longer available. The shop owner said it was for government reasons. These are rosin-based and fairly strong, therefore, I only require a very small dose. The shop owners said they've only got flowers.  Where's the logic in this? They're forcing me to smoke, which I don't like to do for health reasons and which apparently (potentially) annoys other people.  To me, it should be the other way around: promote edibles and not smoking. 

Luckily, it's not too hard to make edibles. But, yeah.

[black tabby12345]

You mean this?

 

[black tabby12345]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Stock image of a cannabis shop in Thailand courtesy of Smoking Skunk

 

Smoking Skunk?

Lol.

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

[barmatt]

"threatens to undermine Phuket’s image as a family-friendly holiday destination."??

What about all the bars with skimpy bargirls, street walkers, ladyboys brawling the list goes on .........

[Photoguy21]

4 hours ago, Kenny Boy said:

Weed smokers will take no notice.

Their brains are too frazzled.

They have no regard for anyone else.

To take drugs you have to be playing with half a deck. But it is their choice. Create an offshore island and let them get high on that.

[Aussie999]

1 hour ago, sungod said:

There you go, whining old men again, is that all you do is moan?

Sorry, I don't understand you juvenile comment.

[Burma Bill]

4 hours ago, Kenny Boy said:

 

Where is this stale beer smell that weed smokers always talk about?

 

 

The pot smokers themselves when they get high on alcohol and marijuana?

[zzzzz]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Stock image of a cannabis shop in Thailand courtesy of Smoking Skunk

 

Amid escalating concerns from both locals and tourists, Phuket officials are taking decisive steps to regulate the island’s flourishing cannabis industry. Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced a strategic plan to implement designated “green zones” intended to control where cannabis can be sold and consumed.

 

The initiative, revealed on Tuesday, aims to address the flood of complaints regarding the rampant spread of cannabis businesses since its decriminalisation in 2022. The situation, many argue, threatens to undermine Phuket’s image as a family-friendly holiday destination.

 

At a recent meeting of the Phuket City Council, Governor Sophon emphasised the urgency of the matter. “We’ve been inundated with complaints about the pervasive smell and its repercussions on our tourism image,” he stated. This gathering marked the debut session of the council following the May local elections and subsequent approval by Thailand's Election Commission.

 

In response to the feedback, Phuket City Municipality is poised to submit a detailed proposal to the central government. The request seeks permission to establish zoning regulations, mirroring the control mechanisms used for entertainment venues. Previously, a letter had already been sent urging limits on where cannabis shops could operate, specifically avoiding proximity to schools, significant tourist sites, and residential areas.

 

Governor Sophon outlined the strategy: “Initially, they want the Ministry of Public Health to issue guidelines or empower local governments to delineate specific areas for cannabis sales and consumption.”

 

This regulatory push has gained momentum due to a variety of concerns. Residents and international visitors alike have voiced complaints about the overwhelming odour and anxieties regarding the potential impact on youth and community safety.

 

Today's discussions involve senators and local government bodies, aiming to escalate the zoning proposal to the national level. The governor underscored the initiative's importance, stating, “This is about safeguarding both our communities and our tourism appeal. We'll have to wait and see which areas are approved or restricted.”

 

The explosion of cannabis shops on the island followed its decriminalisation, championed by Anutin Charnvirakul. As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin has been a vocal supporter of cannabis legalisation, although the ensuing public backlash may necessitate reevaluating the current approach to regulation.

 

The urgency of implementing these zoning regulations highlights the need to balance economic opportunities with the preservation of Phuket’s reputation. As authorities navigate this complex landscape, their goal remains clear: to protect both the island's community values and its standing as a premier tourist destination.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-19

 

 

FIRST< why not shut down ALL the many Weed lounges around the island that are illegal!!
than patrol the beaches and streets where weed can be smelled all the time 
its NOT Rocket science!

[sungod]

1 hour ago, Aussie999 said:

Sorry, I don't understand you juvenile comment.

 We will add 'not very bright' to the list too then.

 

Was that you who left the juvenile emoji? 

[sungod]

5 hours ago, Kenny Boy said:

 

Where is this stale beer smell that weed smokers always talk about?

 

 Easy to find, just look for the overweight retirees nursing Chang beers and moaning about everything. 

[Galong]

6 hours ago, DFPhuket said:

My dad used to say, “That’s like closing the barn door after the cows got out.” Telling cannabis shops that have been open for a year or two that they now have to move to a green zone (and expecting they would) feels exactly like that.

 

I’ve been here a while, but the lack of forward thinking still amazes me.

Yep, and they can't seem to come up with any statistical facts about any negative impact other than some people are offended by the smell.

Basing any of this on it being unhealthy is laughable. Yes, if you smoke it, it's bad for your lungs. Some people prefer edibles. That method has no downside healthwise or on the nasal sensitivity of others. 

Weed shops are a boon for Thailand in many ways. Many here seem to be stuck in the 'Reefer Madness' era. Pot, in actuality, has few downsides especially if, like me, you prefer edibles over smoking. There is no hangover, so productivity doesn't suffer. High drivers are certainly less dangerous than drunk drivers (I'm not advocating for driving high). 

Someone mentioned eating a lot of junk food due to the munchies. That's a fictional analysis based on opinions. I crave really good food when I'm affected. There are plenty of people who eat junk food on a regular basis. Go after them in your desire to control people.

At the end of the day, this burgeoning industry employs a lot of people, and it makes Thailand more attractive to a lot of visitors, and not everyone who  partakes is a 20-something lazy hippie type. They come from all walks of life just like folks who drink.