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Two years ago, Thailand legalized cannabis. Now there are efforts to tighten the rules again.
What is it about? Two years ago, Thailand legalized the consumption of THC-free weed. Cannabis was permitted for medical purposes. The reasons for this step are different. Agriculture, for example, played a role. Farmers were able to grow cannabis, which boosted economic performance. In addition, the prisons were relieved because many people were suddenly released from prison. But of course tourism is also important: Thailand is dependent on tourism, whose attractiveness they wanted to increase with legalization. But now the Thai government is rowing back and wants to tighten the rules again.
How come? “There is uncontrolled growth,” says SRF Southeast Asia correspondent Martin Aldrovandi. Shops have sprung up like mushrooms, with shops selling cannabis products on every corner. The slightly sweet smell is omnipresent. The government does not control who sells what, said Aldrovandi. “It is also consumed publicly, which was not originally intended that way.” The government therefore fears that children and young people will get cannabis too easily. That’s why consumption should be regulated again. A large part of the population supports tightening the law.
Legend:
A Thai cannabis farmer inspects plants in Bangkok.
EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT
How realistic is that? SRF Southeast Asia correspondent Martin Aldrovandi estimates that implementing the tightening measures will be difficult. “It’s a lot of money.” Farmers specialize in growing cannabis. “I think in the end the question will be how these new rules and regulations will be implemented in practice,” said Aldrovandi. How easy will it be to get a prescription for cannabis? Will stores that apply for medical dispensing licenses obtain them? What happens to the others? What are the penalties? How tolerantly is the situation handled? That remains to be seen.
What does that mean for tourism? Nothing yet. Thailand’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism. The legalization of cannabis is particularly interesting for tourists from the region because consumption is very strictly regulated in most East Asian countries. In Singapore, the death penalty can even be imposed if a certain amount is consumed. “Western visitors also grab a joint when they’re here. But I would assume that they don’t travel to Thailand specifically for that reason,” says Aldrovandi. The regulation is currently a draft law and the adjustment is expected to be passed by the end of the year. “It is still too early to say what this means for consumers.”