Phuket authorities are pushing for tougher cannabis controls after a string of incidents involving intoxicated foreign tourists raised concerns about the island’s tourism image.
Sarayut Mallum, vice president of the Phuket Tourism Association, said many cases of erratic tourist behaviour have been traced back to excessive cannabis use.
He explained that some visitors smoked several joints in succession, leading to hallucinations and risky actions. Sarayut cited an incident involving a group of French motorcyclists who had consumed cannabis before riding, calling such misuse a growing threat to the tourism sector.
He added that the private sector supports restricting cannabis to medical use rather than recreational purposes and urged consultation with local vendors to encourage responsible sales.
Sarayut also called on the government to review its cannabis policy, referring to the approach of former justice minister Somsak Thepsutin, who had once set up a committee to consider reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic.
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee of the People’s Party shared similar concerns and proposed zoning rules to regulate cannabis use. He suggested designating areas such as Patong for smoking while prohibiting cannabis shops in Old Phuket Town to preserve its cultural charm.
Chalermpong noted that Phuket ranks second in Thailand for the number of cannabis outlets, behind only Bangkok, with more than 1,600 licensed shops and additional unlicensed stalls. He said police cannot handle enforcement alone and need support from the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office.
He also warned that an oversupply of low-quality cannabis and unstable pricing has led to health problems among tourists, including cases of cannabis-induced psychosis and jaundice requiring hospital treatment.
Such incidents, he said, have increased the burden on local healthcare workers and tarnished Phuket’s image as a family-friendly destination. If the situation continues, he cautioned, the island could lose quality tourists to destinations like Vietnam, Singapore, and Japan.
Phuket Governor Saransak Srikruanet said the province will collect input from tourism, hotel, and business associations to present to the government for policy review.
He added that the issue will be brought before the House of Representatives’ Tourism Committee and the provincial food and health board to formulate coordinated measures.
In July, Chalermpong had already voiced concern over the growing smell of marijuana along Phuket’s beaches, saying it was deterring high-spending visitors and damaging the island’s reputation.
He urged the government to establish clear zoning laws, set age limits, and tighten cannabis sales regulations to protect Phuket’s image as a world-class, family-friendly destination.
Ratchadaporn O-in, director of the Phuket Tourism and Sports Office, also raised alarm over social media videos showing intoxicated tourists engaging in indecent acts such as public nudity.
She called for stricter law enforcement, clearer communication of local rules, and public awareness campaigns to educate visitors on appropriate behaviour while in Thailand.
