Thailand discourages tourists from visiting the country only to smoke weed just two months after new laws were passed

Thailand has discouraged cannabis tourists from visiting Thailand just two months after new laws were passed.

In June, the country decriminalised the cultivation and possession of weed, with the hopes of developing a cannabis trade that will help boost its agriculture and tourism sectors.

However, just over two months since the ruling, Thailand’s health minister has spoken out against people visiting the tourist hotspot just to get high. 

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, August 17, Anutin Charnvirakul said: "We don't welcome those kinds of tourists." 

Thailand previously approved the possession of cannabis for medicinal purposes back in 2018, only to then decriminalise the cultivation of the plant. 

As part of the ruling, one million cannabis seedlings are to be given away to citizens to encourage the public to start growing their own weed crops at home and kickstart the industry.

There will also be a release of thousands of prisoners who were arrested on weed-related charges.

But recreational use is still illegal, with Charnvirakul telling CNN at the time of the decision: "We still have regulations under the law that control the consumption, smoking or use of cannabis products in non-productive ways.

"We [have always] emphasised using cannabis extractions and raw materials for medical purposes and for health.

"There has never once been a moment that we would think about advocating people to use cannabis in terms of recreation – or use it in a way that it could irritate others."

He continued: "Thailand will promote cannabis policies for medical purposes. 

“If [tourists] come for medical treatment or come for health-related products then it's not an issue but if you think that you want to come to Thailand just because you heard that cannabis or marijuana is legal… [or] come to Thailand to smoke joints freely, that's wrong.

"Don't come. We won't welcome you if you just come to this country for that purpose."

Although recreational use is not permitted in the country, cannabis cafes and other related businesses have been a hit with holidaymakers this summer.

Tourists, however, should be aware that anyone found sparking up in public could face a three-month jail sentence or a fine of up to 25,000 baht (£582).

As for whether the laws will loosen further in the future, Charnvirakul said it’s a possibility once there’s a better understanding of the drug, adding: "It might come in the near future."

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Topics: Drugs, World News, News, Crime, Travel

Daisy Phillipson

Daisy graduated from Kingston University with a degree in Magazine Journalism, writing a thesis on the move from print to digital publishing. Continuing this theme, she has written for a range of online publications including Digital Spy and Little White Lies, with a particular passion for TV and film. Contact her on [email protected]

@DaisyWebb77