File photo for reference only

 

In a move set to reshape Thailand’s tourism landscape, the recent reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic is expected to bolster the country's appeal to family travellers. Industry leaders see more benefits than drawbacks, despite potential challenges to certain sectors.

 

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), explained to Thansettakij that while the change is indeed government-led, feedback from the tourism industry highlights its likely positive impact. He noted that many tourists, especially families, feel uncomfortable in areas where the strong smell of cannabis is prevalent. This atmosphere has deterred family travellers from visiting urban locales, impacting Thailand’s image as a family-friendly destination.

 

While the niche market for cannabis tourism might suffer, Thienprasit emphasised the need for family-focused tourism. Data from leading travel platforms like Booking.com illustrate that family travel is outpacing other segments, making it a critical area that the tourism industry cannot ignore.

 

Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), echoed the positive sentiment. He highlighted the social advantages of the move, particularly in protecting young people from normalising drug use.

 

With the Asia–Pacific region accounting for 70% of Thailand’s tourist arrivals, the decision aligns with regional legal norms, as cannabis remains illegal in many countries. This has previously led to tensions, with some governments advising against travel to destinations where cannabis use is allowed. For instance, nations like South Korea conduct drug tests on citizens returning from Thailand.

 

ATTA President Sittiwat Chewaratanaporn noted that major markets including China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia do not support cannabis use. Restricting cannabis to medical use could thus improve Thailand’s attraction and cultural compatibility with these crucial markets.

 

Kitti Pornsiwakit, president of the Association of Thai Tourism Marketing (ATTM), detailed both the advantages and challenges of the policy shift. By focusing on medical cannabis, Thailand could enhance its image as a premium wellness destination, reduce risks of cannabis misuse among youths, and address food contamination concerns, particularly for Asian tourists.

 

However, Kitti warned of potential negative repercussions. The decision might deter European cannabis enthusiasts and disrupt over 20,000 cannabis-related businesses. Without clear governmental support strategies, this could lead to investment uncertainties and perceptions of policy instability.

 

The reclassification of cannabis is a strategic move by Thailand to refocus its tourism industry on family travel and align itself with key regional markets. While there are potential downsides, particularly for businesses tied to cannabis tourism, the consensus is that the benefits for family tourism and societal well-being outweigh these concerns. This shift, if managed well, could ensure Thailand maintains its allure as a welcoming and safe destination for families worldwide.

 

As the industry adjusts, stakeholders will be keenly watching governmental measures to mitigate negative impacts on businesses and bolster Thailand’s position as both a family and wellness tourism hub.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-13

 

31 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

While the niche market for cannabis tourism might suffer

The niche market worth billions and will see small investors lose everything and that will now be controlled by a few of the super rich.

I think governmental flip flopping is far more detrimental to tourism than any perceived upside toward visiting families on the reclassification of this harmless medicine. It’s farcical. 

Have they not been appealing to families for a long time already. How many times have we heard family friendly image bla bla bla.

 

 

Not to worry. 

 

Once they figure out how to regulate it and tax it so the right Thai families make all the real money, weed will be back on the tourists' menu.

 

Everyone else along the value chain will have to settle for scraps.

 

 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

He noted that many tourists, especially families, feel uncomfortable in areas where the strong smell of cannabis is prevalent. This atmosphere has deterred family travellers from visiting urban locales, impacting Thailand’s image as a family-friendly destination.

Lol! So families care about weed smell, but widespread and quite visible prostitution should not be a problem...... 

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

The niche market worth billions and will see small investors lose everything and that will now be controlled by a few of the super rich.

Where do you have your numbers from?

 

The pot tourism I have seen is a low class phenomenon and not especially wealthy tourist spending much money

Finally dont need to see dopeheads only in Thailand for smoking weed.

19 minutes ago, candide said:

So families care about weed smell

Most people don’t like the stink it makes in the air, especially the wife who avoided the stinky areas during the th freak-out refer madness psychosis episode.

Just now, novacova said:

Most people don’t like the stink it makes in the air, especially the wife who avoided the stinky areas during the th freak-out refer madness psychosis episode.

Thanks for truncating my post and missing the point I made,. 🙂

43 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Where do you have your numbers from?

 

The pot tourism I have seen is a low class phenomenon and not especially wealthy tourist spending much money

You seem not to be fully informed. This is not simply a tourist thing. Dope shops are nation wide and it's not just retail but growers.

Yeah, the tens of thousands of beer bars are family friendly. 

14 hours ago, blaze master said:

Have they not been appealing to families for a long time already. How many times have we heard family friendly image bla bla bla.

 

 

It's all they've got left... family friendly blah blah blah

trouble is when the families came they saw the truth and will never return, plus told friends, give Thailand a miss.

3 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

It's all they've got left... family friendly blah blah blah

trouble is when the families came they saw the truth and will never return, plus told friends, give Thailand a miss.

You'd have to be stupid to bring your western kids to Thailand on a holiday. Far too dangerous.

 

You'd have to be stupid to bring your western wife to Thailand on a holiday. Far too many available Thai women already here 

Good move.  The family tourist market is far larger.

Do they really think the tourist numbers have dropped because of weed shops ?

They are in for a big shock when they realise that's not the reason people numbers are down 😀

Have to feel for all the shops that were quickly put up at expense and leased for years I imagine. Now will leave people trying to give them away for sale or lease as the property market will be flooded with them soon.

15 hours ago, dinsdale said:

The niche market worth billions and will see small investors lose everything and that will now be controlled by a few of the super rich.

20000 dope shops could destabilise Thailand's economy, that's tripe

 

17 minutes ago, newnative said:

Good move.  The family tourist market is far larger.

Prove it! Show us some actual studies that back up this claim, please.

5 hours ago, captain_shane said:

Yeah, the tens of thousands of beer bars are family friendly.

Yes they are.

It's where you go to practice how to start a family.

14 hours ago, Hummin said:

Where do you have your numbers from?

 

The pot tourism I have seen is a low class phenomenon and not especially wealthy tourist spending much money

 Probably more to do with  what class of people you hang out with and what low level dives you go too.

 

 

If they were serious about tourism, they could start with outlawing 2 tier pricing for starters. 

 

Also allow foreigners to participate in government stimulus packages aimed at tourism. 

18 minutes ago, Jerzy Swirski said:

Yes they are.

It's where you go to practice how to start a family.

Or how to ruin one.

Most people don’t like the stink it makes in the air, especially anybody not forced to eat rotten food to survive

What a pathetic ridiculous spouting of garbage! They promoted weed as a viable, legal business, got loads of locals to invest, then made it illegal again and ripped everyone off as usual, if you are not from the "preferred " stock, you will always be a "peasant" with these creatures running the show. Shame on them - but they are so arrogant that they have no shame!

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

In a move set to reshape Thailand’s tourism landscape, the recent reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic is expected to bolster the country's appeal to family travellers. Industry leaders see more benefits than drawbacks, despite potential challenges to certain sectors.

 

Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), explained to Thansettakij that while the change is indeed government-led, feedback from the tourism industry highlights its likely positive impact. He noted that many tourists, especially families, feel uncomfortable in areas where the strong smell of cannabis is prevalent. This atmosphere has deterred family travellers from visiting urban locales, impacting Thailand’s image as a family-friendly destination.

 

While the niche market for cannabis tourism might suffer, Thienprasit emphasised the need for family-focused tourism. Data from leading travel platforms like Booking.com illustrate that family travel is outpacing other segments, making it a critical area that the tourism industry cannot ignore.

 

Adith Chairattananon, secretary-general of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), echoed the positive sentiment. He highlighted the social advantages of the move, particularly in protecting young people from normalising drug use.

 

With the Asia–Pacific region accounting for 70% of Thailand’s tourist arrivals, the decision aligns with regional legal norms, as cannabis remains illegal in many countries. This has previously led to tensions, with some governments advising against travel to destinations where cannabis use is allowed. For instance, nations like South Korea conduct drug tests on citizens returning from Thailand.

 

ATTA President Sittiwat Chewaratanaporn noted that major markets including China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia do not support cannabis use. Restricting cannabis to medical use could thus improve Thailand’s attraction and cultural compatibility with these crucial markets.

 

Kitti Pornsiwakit, president of the Association of Thai Tourism Marketing (ATTM), detailed both the advantages and challenges of the policy shift. By focusing on medical cannabis, Thailand could enhance its image as a premium wellness destination, reduce risks of cannabis misuse among youths, and address food contamination concerns, particularly for Asian tourists.

 

However, Kitti warned of potential negative repercussions. The decision might deter European cannabis enthusiasts and disrupt over 20,000 cannabis-related businesses. Without clear governmental support strategies, this could lead to investment uncertainties and perceptions of policy instability.

 

The reclassification of cannabis is a strategic move by Thailand to refocus its tourism industry on family travel and align itself with key regional markets. While there are potential downsides, particularly for businesses tied to cannabis tourism, the consensus is that the benefits for family tourism and societal well-being outweigh these concerns. This shift, if managed well, could ensure Thailand maintains its allure as a welcoming and safe destination for families worldwide.

 

As the industry adjusts, stakeholders will be keenly watching governmental measures to mitigate negative impacts on businesses and bolster Thailand’s position as both a family and wellness tourism hub.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-13

 

has it ever crossed there small minds that maybe,just maybe that Thi youngsters are perhaps smoking it !!!!

2 hours ago, kiwikeith said:

20000 dope shops could destabilise Thailand's economy, that's tripe

 

If you can show where I said it would destabalise the economy I would be surprised. I said it's worth heaps. This is money being put into the economy. Now the money will go into a few pockets.

16 hours ago, candide said:

Lol! So families care about weed smell, but widespread and quite visible prostitution should not be a problem...... 

Add in a little pollution smell too.

There is definitely truth in the first part of the article where the stench of cannabis is off putting to many and not what you would call a family environment!! Unfortunatly one drug often leads to another and attracts a different type of person to Thailand!! 

However the government as usual never thought this through from the start and flip flopping like they so often do is unsettling, many have already made a small fortune and many will loose which is always a business risk in countries like Thailand where laws & regulations have little basis and are frequently changed to suit those in power on the day!! 

 

2 hours ago, sungod said:

 Probably more to do with  what class of people you hang out with and what low level dives you go too.

 

 

 

Yeah of course I hang around Chang drinking weed smokers who smoke in public, 

 

sounds like you do not get around much in Thailand where tourists smoke anywhere and everywhere in public. Some low class expats thinks it is a good idea to, and not only sit outside 7/11 with their Chang, but also lit a doobie to. 

 

Here is two fine examples outside our beach side restaurant at our hotel 

 

 

 

 

I do not partake of cannabis myself but I rather like the aroma it creates, likewise cigars. However, I loathe the smell of cigarette smoke.