Legalization of marijuana in Thailand has become one of the tourist attractions. However, in Phuket, the most popular destination in the country, marijuana is no longer enticing for tourists. Many have reported complaints about the widespread use of marijuana in public places. Tourism companies in Phuket have proposed zoning to reduce complaints from people disturbed by the recreational use of marijuana. This move came after widespread marijuana use in the southern tourist island, which has 1,500 official marijuana stores, began to have a negative impact on tourism in Thailand.
Local officials met with representatives from the private sector on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Senator Parinya Wongcherdkwan received public complaints about marijuana use for recreation in tourist areas like Patong. Phuket residents mentioned that many family tourists avoid certain places due to marijuana smoke and the sale of marijuana-infused foods like cakes, brownies, and jelly, which can be hazardous for children if consumed.
The police in Patong said that in various raids conducted with public health officials, they found and apprehended many shop operators selling these items without proper permits. Satjapon Thongsom, the vice chairman of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that some permitted stores also face complaints from nearby restaurants. The Phuket Tourist Association stated that travel agents in many countries have notified their members that Thailand is now associated with high marijuana use, which is undesirable for family tourists.
The private sector proposed that authorities increase control over the plant by limiting the number of places for marijuana use. According to the provincial health office, there are 1,495 marijuana stores in Phuket, with 752 in Muang district, 520 in Kathu district, and 223 in Thalang district. Thailand was the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana in 2022, but regulating and limiting its use has proved challenging.
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, aimed to create a marijuana economy by removing marijuana from the narcotic list while serving as the Minister of Public Health. However, the lack of clear laws and regulations led to chaos, with no legislation in place three years later. In May, the Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsutin, mentioned that marijuana users in Thailand would be required to have a medical certificate if the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s bill is passed, ensuring that it is only used for medical purposes.
