Phuket Tightens Cannabis Rules

The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, hosted by Alex and Jay on Good Morning Thailand. The stories range from Phuket tightening cannabis rules and Thailand introducing a rush-hour taxi surcharge, to new sunscreen bans in national parks and a series of bizarre tourist incidents across Pattaya and Phuket.

1. Phuket Tightens Cannabis Rules
Phuket officials are calling for stricter cannabis control after a surge in erratic tourist behaviour linked to recreational use. Authorities and business leaders want cannabis limited to medical purposes to protect the island’s family-friendly image.

2. Rush-Hour Taxi Surcharge Coming in December
Thailand’s transport ministry will introduce a 10–20 baht rush-hour surcharge for metered taxis starting December 2025, aiming to reduce ride refusals and balance affordability with fair pay for drivers.

3. Fines for Banned Sunscreens in National Parks
Tourists using sunscreens with coral-harming chemicals in Thailand’s marine parks now face fines of up to 100,000 baht. The rule supports reef protection and promotes reef-safe sunscreen alternatives.

4. Viral Pattaya Bar Incident Sparks Concern
A video of a homeless couple’s indecent act at a closed Pattaya bar has alarmed residents and hurt local businesses. Officials warn that repeated incidents could damage Thailand’s tourism image.

5. Intoxicated Ex-Boxer Causes Rooftop Chaos in Phuket
A former Danish boxer caused panic in Kata, Phuket, after climbing onto a rooftop while heavily intoxicated. Police intervened and sent him to hospital, raising renewed concerns about foreign behaviour in resort areas.

6. British Tourist’s Violent Rampage in Pattaya
A drunken British man went on a destructive spree in Pattaya before burning his wife’s designer clothes. The incident, caught on CCTV and livestreamed, has reignited debate over alcohol-related misconduct among tourists.

7. Israeli Tourist Steals Temple Donation Envelope
In Pattaya, an Israeli man was arrested after stealing a temple donation envelope during a dispute at a massage parlour. Locals chased him down, and police are reviewing charges for theft and misconduct.

8. IOC Criticises Indonesia’s Ban on Israeli Gymnasts
The IOC has voiced serious concern after Indonesia denied visas to Israeli athletes for the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships. The decision, tied to political tensions, may breach Olympic non-discrimination principles.