Tourists facing problems in Phuket urge authorities to address the issues
In a bid to restore its image as a family-friendly tourist destination, Phuket is taking decisive action to address the persistent cannabis odor and related tourism issues. The Thai government reinstated strict controls in mid-2025, banning recreational cannabis sales without medical prescriptions and enforcing restrictions on where it can be consumed and sold, including prohibiting public use in tourist areas.
Local politicians like Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee have vocalized concerns about cannabis smells driving away high-spending and family tourists. They have called for regulations similar to those for alcohol, such as age limits, time restrictions, and zoning that keeps cannabis shops away from family zones and beaches.
The government and tourism leaders stress these reforms enhance Phuket’s safety and appeal, especially to families and conservative tourists who had felt alienated by lax cannabis rules.
Regarding motorcycle rental regulations and tourist safety concerns, no specific information on official measures or reforms in Phuket has been found. However, the emphasis on improving overall tourist safety through better regulation of cannabis-related issues suggests local authorities may be increasingly attentive to broader safety and regulatory concerns affecting tourism.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rawat, the president of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, has expressed concerns about lax rental motorcycle regulations and tourist safety issues. He has urged the media to differentiate between criminal elements and legitimate Chinese tourists.
Local tour operators raised three main issues about tourism in Phuket during a recent Thai tourism promotion roadshow in Australia: cannabis odor, inappropriate motorcycle rentals, and the lack of direct flights between Australia and Phuket.
The Ministry of Public Health is considering reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic for medical use only, but no clear plan to address the cannabis odor issue in Phuket has been announced.
Australian tourists strongly prefer direct flights to Phuket, and the ongoing efforts to address these concerns may help Phuket regain its position as a popular tourist destination.
- To further improve the appeal of Phuket as a destination for wellness-focused travel, the Ministry of Public Health could introduce educational initiatives on health-and-wellness, incorporating the importance of balanced nutrition and lifestyle choices.
- Science, with its focus on understanding the benefits of cannabis for medical use, could play a significant role in addressing the persistent cannabis odor issue in Phuket by proposing solutions for the efficient management and reduction of undesirable smells associated with cannabis in tourist areas.
