Authorities aim to regulate cannabis sales and consumption to protect tourism and public safety
Phuket, Thailand — In response to growing concerns from both residents and international visitors, Phuket officials have announced plans to introduce designated zones for the sale and use of cannabis on the island. The proposal, revealed this week, marks a significant step toward regulating the province’s rapidly expanding cannabis industry, which has faced criticism for its perceived impact on tourism and community well-being.
Speaking at a Phuket City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 18, Governor Sophon Suwannarat said that authorities are working to establish official “green zones” for cannabis-related activities. These zones would restrict where cannabis can be sold and consumed, helping to manage the influx of dispensaries that have opened since cannabis was decriminalised in Thailand in 2022.
“We’ve received a number of complaints about the smell and its impact on the tourism image,” Governor Sophon stated during the meeting, which was the first session of the newly elected council following last month’s local elections.
According to the governor, Phuket City Municipality is preparing to formally request zoning regulations from the central government. The proposal aims to prevent cannabis shops from operating near sensitive locations such as schools, major tourist attractions, and residential neighbourhoods.
Initial steps have already been taken. A previous letter had been submitted to the national government urging tighter controls, and now local leaders are seeking broader powers for municipalities to enforce area-specific rules. The governor compared the approach to how Thailand currently regulates entertainment venues, such as nightclubs and bars.
The push for regulation comes amid an increase in public complaints, particularly about the smell of cannabis in public areas and concerns over the drug’s influence on youth and community safety.
Further discussions between senators and local government officials were scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, to consider advancing the zoning proposal at the national level.
“This is about safeguarding both our communities and our tourism appeal,” said Governor Sophon. “We’ll have to wait and see which areas are approved or restricted.”
The surge in cannabis shops across Phuket began after Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, a move spearheaded by Anutin Charnvirakul, then Minister of Public Health and now serving as both Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
While the policy shift was initially welcomed by many as a boost for health and agriculture, the rapid proliferation of cannabis businesses in tourist hotspots like Phuket has sparked backlash. Critics argue that lax regulation has harmed the island’s image as a family-friendly destination.
As Phuket officials move toward creating clearer rules, the island may soon become a model for how Thailand manages its evolving cannabis landscape — balancing local culture, tourism, and public health.
