2 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

I think there should be tighter control on what's sold to make sure it is just MJ with no additives or enhanced THC.

As to damage to image sorry that boat saled when all the bars and sex started

"As to damage to image sorry that boat saled when all the bars and sex started"

About the time of the "American war" (in Vietnam) ??

 

Speaking of which, I've been (as most of us have) to all 3 countries mentioned in the article as "threats" to Thailand tourism.

 

I wouldn't describe Vn Jpn,or Sin as particularly 'family friendly'. 

SIN  has a has a few family attractions, but the other 2 I think, and know from experience, are pretty boring to kids.

(Mostly alllovely,  friendly people )

 

Bali was always so much more fun. 

 

AND there's one major attraction Thailand has over the others (apart from cost) is the delicious availability of p***y and naked young ladies.

 

That,with booze, drugs and rock n roll is what brings them in.

Wake up ,like it or not.

 

Yes, I've frequented massages and karaoke in those countries but they were either pretty tame or Bloody expensive (Vn particularly....but good spoken English and Chinese)

As opposed to all the drunks making idiots of themselves?

On 10/20/2025 at 7:35 AM, wildpuppet72 said:

What a bunch of BS

Really...have you anything to back-up your comment...or is it just you don't want it to be true.

4 hours ago, pomchop said:

Sit in a bar and drink 5 or 6 beers then get on motorbike and head out into the traffic.  Happens thousands of times every night and never hear much if any calls for banning booze or any attempts to cut down on this very very common practice.

 

Somehow the media has hyped all the way back to reefer madness days that ganja is a  very dangerous drug and that is bad.  Meantime the booze industry spends zillions every year trying to convince the world that drinking is glamorous sexy fun and safe. 

 

For the brain dead ignorants out there surprise surprise alcohol is also a drug and every stat will tell you over and over and over that it creates more  addiction, more violence, more poor choices, and overall more problems than all the ganja ever smoked.

You're in denial...typical user, trying to chance the story to alcohol... personally I don't give a rat's arse, as long as your habit doesn't affect me, or anyone else...do it in your own house.

1 hour ago, shdmn said:

As opposed to all the drunks making idiots of themselves?

Trying to change the story doesn't change the facts...

As a non-user reading the OP I would deduce that it is mainly foreign tourists who frequent weed shops. But is this really the case? Are Thai locals a minority when it comes to marijuana consumption?

3 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

As a non-user reading the OP I would deduce that it is mainly foreign tourists who frequent weed shops. But is this really the case? Are Thai locals a minority when it comes to marijuana consumption?

The weed shops are too expensive for locals.

The locals all smoke plenty but at 2bht/g online.

They ain't stupid enough to pay 150bht/g in the shops.

5 hours ago, jwl53 said:

The sheer volume of outlets prove there are hundreds of thousands more users of weed than the ones who do pills

No it does not , All it proves is that more people have opened shops that sell cannabis , The last time I checked there were no outlets for "pills"  as you put it.   The reason might just be that the "pills" you are referring to are strictly illegal, always have been , and are sold covertly on the black market.  You have no idea how many people indulge in illegal drugs

5 hours ago, jwl53 said:

Weed in the wrong mouth is a danger

not as dangerous as words, as you have lost any credibility you may have thought you had by posting such rubbish   

10 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Are Thai locals a minority when it comes to marijuana consumption?

not at all

5 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

As to damage to image sorry that boat saled when all the bars and sex started

But  of course ,the encouraged invasion of quality Russian tourists and draft dodgers went a long way to improving things did it not ?

Riiiiiiiiight. So let’s compare that to alcohol induced BS then….

On 10/20/2025 at 7:30 AM, webfact said:

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of iStock

 

Phuket is calling for tighter cannabis regulations, as incidents involving tourists' erratic behaviour due to excessive cannabis use tarnish its tourism image. Sarayut Mallum, from the Phuket Tourism Association, links this negative impact to cannabis misuse, citing cases of tourists experiencing hallucinations and risky behaviour after smoking multiple joints.

 

An example involved French motorcyclists consuming cannabis before riding, highlighting the island's growing concern. Phuket’s private sector is pushing for a strict reclassification of cannabis for medical use while involving local vendors in responsible sales practices.

 

This echoes former justice minister Somsak Thepsutin’s approach to considering cannabis a narcotic. Meanwhile, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee suggests zoning strategies like designated smoking areas in Patong and banning cannabis shops in historically sensitive areas like Old Phuket Town.

 

Chalermpong highlights Phuket's vast number of cannabis shops, ranking second in Thailand. This proliferation has led to health issues such as cannabis-induced psychosis among tourists, further burdening local healthcare and damaging the island's family-friendly image. He warns that without change, Phuket risks losing tourists to competitors like Vietnam, Singapore, and Japan.

 

Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanet plans to gather feedback from local tourism sectors for government review. Discussions will also take place with the House of Representatives’ Tourism Committee to coordinate potential measures.

 

Previously, Chalermpong raised concerns in July over the smell of marijuana on beaches deterring high-spending tourists, calling for zoning laws, age restrictions, and stricter sales regulations.

 

Ratchadaporn O-in of Phuket’s Tourism and Sports Office voiced worries about social media clips of intoxicated tourists misbehaving, which harm the island’s reputation. She stressed the need for stronger enforcement, clearer local regulatory communication, and visitor education on acceptable behaviour.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Excessive cannabis use by tourists in Phuket is damaging its tourism appeal.
• Proposed changes include restricting cannabis use and introducing designated zones.
• Local leaders aim to balance tourism with stricter cannabis regulations.

 

Related Stories: 

Ukrainian Man Arrested in Phuket After Drug-Fuelled Outburst

Phuket Cannabis Shops Raided in Major Regulatory Crackdown

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-10-20

 

 

French tourists take ganja before they make a trip on motorcycle! and that's why we must consider Ganja as a narcotic! that's weird, if French tourists drink whisky before they go on a motorbike trip, that's ok?

someone else also mentions 'JahBah' that is still going around like crazy... 

this news and more that will follow we'll store under "Reefer-Madness"! 🙂

 

6 hours ago, jwl53 said:

Do you smoke the stuff? I got 5 baht that says you do

All those addicted to the stuff defend it, and try to justify it is harmless

The sheer volume of outlets prove there are hundreds of thousands more users of weed than the ones who do pills,

Weed in the wrong mouth is a danger 

I do not nor have I ever smoked marijuana and lately I have been reading that smoking of tobacco and marijuana both do increase the risk of developing cancer.  But like everything else that causes cancer, some people can do it and not get cancer ever and some can smoke  tobacvco for decades and still don't develop cancer.  But the statistics don't lie either so I have no desires to do either, nor do I drink alcohol as that is a known killer though like other evils, some  people's health doesn't seem to affect them.  Others that exercise regularly, do not use any medicines, eat healthy may develop cancers be it genetically from parents or some other reason.  I opt for avoiding any risk that I can control

and at 79 have not ever been sick (did get (COVID and had a slight sore throat for 2 days only), can't recall the last cold that I had and have not had a headache of any sorts during this century and some years prior.  I wake every day without any pains at 79 years of age.  I can still run without any problems, lift weights regularly for 90 minutes, core exercises for more than an hour at a time and do walking aerobics daily.  I do wish the best of health for all.

On 10/20/2025 at 1:55 PM, smedly said:

in pattaya I have noticed quite a few weed shops back into life in the last week, quite funny

Good to hear, I will be back in 2 weeks from weed deprived Vietnam. 

6 hours ago, pomchop said:

Sit in a bar and drink 5 or 6 beers then get on motorbike and head out into the traffic.  Happens thousands of times every night and never hear much if any calls for banning booze or any attempts to cut down on this very very common practice.

 

Somehow the media has hyped all the way back to reefer madness days that ganja is a  very dangerous drug and that is bad.  Meantime the booze industry spends zillions every year trying to convince the world that drinking is glamorous sexy fun and safe. 

 

For the brain dead ignorants out there surprise surprise alcohol is also a drug and every stat will tell you over and over and over that it creates more  addiction, more violence, more poor choices, and overall more problems than all the ganja ever smoked.

 I grew up in a society where it was illegal and I only tried it a few times when I was in my early 20z in Thailand.  I don’t care for it nor do I smoke it; however, I totally agree with what you saying!   

1 hour ago, thecyclist said:

Good to hear, I will be back in 2 weeks from weed deprived Vietnam. 

I never had any problems getting weed in Vietnam.

Those ladies selling cigarettes always have some if you ask 

5 hours ago, golli said:

Alcohol is doing a lot more damage than weed. The world has a lot more alcoholics that have destroyed their lives than your supposed weed addicts. I've smoked on and off for 55 years but wouldn't consider myself an addict.

That is true, but what do you suggest.Ban alcohol and destroy the Thailand tourist industry.

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

The weed shops are too expensive for locals.

The locals all smoke plenty but at 2bht/g online.

They ain't stupid enough to pay 150bht/g in the shops.

"The locals all smoke plenty but at 2bht/g online."  and  for exactly the same product that finds its way onto the shelves in the neon lit tourist "dispensaries" of Pattaya  for 150 / gram as you correctly state.

 No wonder they are always smiling

9 hours ago, Grandpa Cool said:

And how many alcohol outlets are there in Thailand?

How many deaths, injuries and chronic illnesses are caused by or contributed to by alcohol consumption? 

Focusing on cannabis as a cause of social problems is avoiding the real issues. 

Yes alcohol is a danger when driving but so is cannabis as it lowers perception and reaction times, British police have instruments for testing for alcohol and for cocaine and cannabis, not without reason.

On 10/20/2025 at 1:30 AM, webfact said:

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of iStock

 

Phuket is calling for tighter cannabis regulations, as incidents involving tourists' erratic behaviour due to excessive cannabis use tarnish its tourism image. Sarayut Mallum, from the Phuket Tourism Association, links this negative impact to cannabis misuse, citing cases of tourists experiencing hallucinations and risky behaviour after smoking multiple joints.

 

An example involved French motorcyclists consuming cannabis before riding, highlighting the island's growing concern. Phuket’s private sector is pushing for a strict reclassification of cannabis for medical use while involving local vendors in responsible sales practices.

 

This echoes former justice minister Somsak Thepsutin’s approach to considering cannabis a narcotic. Meanwhile, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee suggests zoning strategies like designated smoking areas in Patong and banning cannabis shops in historically sensitive areas like Old Phuket Town.

 

Chalermpong highlights Phuket's vast number of cannabis shops, ranking second in Thailand. This proliferation has led to health issues such as cannabis-induced psychosis among tourists, further burdening local healthcare and damaging the island's family-friendly image. He warns that without change, Phuket risks losing tourists to competitors like Vietnam, Singapore, and Japan.

 

Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanet plans to gather feedback from local tourism sectors for government review. Discussions will also take place with the House of Representatives’ Tourism Committee to coordinate potential measures.

 

Previously, Chalermpong raised concerns in July over the smell of marijuana on beaches deterring high-spending tourists, calling for zoning laws, age restrictions, and stricter sales regulations.

 

Ratchadaporn O-in of Phuket’s Tourism and Sports Office voiced worries about social media clips of intoxicated tourists misbehaving, which harm the island’s reputation. She stressed the need for stronger enforcement, clearer local regulatory communication, and visitor education on acceptable behaviour.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Excessive cannabis use by tourists in Phuket is damaging its tourism appeal.
• Proposed changes include restricting cannabis use and introducing designated zones.
• Local leaders aim to balance tourism with stricter cannabis regulations.

 

Related Stories: 

Ukrainian Man Arrested in Phuket After Drug-Fuelled Outburst

Phuket Cannabis Shops Raided in Major Regulatory Crackdown

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-10-20

 

 

Tarnish the image 🤣🤣🤣🤣 It’ been s******e for years. 

9 hours ago, jwl53 said:

Do you smoke the stuff? I got 5 baht that says you do

All those addicted to the stuff defend it, and try to justify it is harmless

The sheer volume of outlets prove there are hundreds of thousands more users of weed than the ones who do pills,

Weed in the wrong mouth is a danger 

A pen in the wrong hand also a danger.

Or these days a keyboard  and internet access.

THC does not cause addiction. It can be abused in a dependency association which is far less harmful than "pills" and powders. 

THC and derivatives are increasingly recognized as prescribed medicines regardless of objection.

Undefined  "Officials" could be just as likely attempting to return to the previous underground  and inflated value of a substance that has been used for millennia already.

 

Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?

 

 

 

On 10/19/2025 at 8:30 PM, webfact said:

This proliferation has led to health issues such as cannabis-induced psychosis among tourists, further burdening local healthcare

 

Proof of this claim please.

 

Try alcohol.  Wanna clean up Phuket?  Clean up the alcohol problem.

20 minutes ago, Felt 35 said:

 

Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?

 

No.  But there are a ton of people who never used marijuana who claim it's addictive.

17 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Utter rubbish.

I am not a user. although I did once smoke a spliff in the 1950s in the UK. Cannabis is a relaxant, and also possesses medical applications. It does not promote aggression. Crystal meth and alcohol (in excess) do however encourage aggression and unruly behaviour.

19 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

I am not a user. although I did once smoke a spliff in the 1950s in the UK. Cannabis is a relaxant, and also possesses medical applications. It does not promote aggression. Crystal meth and alcohol (in excess) do however encourage aggression and unruly behaviour.

 

 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7084484/

How about all the hooker shops every 100m in rawaii? Is that image any better?

16 hours ago, BritManToo said:

The weed shops are too expensive for locals.

The locals all smoke plenty but at 2bht/g online.

They ain't stupid enough to pay 150bht/g in the shops.

 

 

I love how some posters like to try pull facts out of thin air on here.  The least you can do is try make it remotely believable instead of that ridiculous garbage you posted.

11 minutes ago, shdmn said:

I love how some posters like to try pull facts out of thin air on here.  The least you can do is try make it remotely believable instead of that ridiculous garbage you posted.