A 12 months after Thailand legalised cannabis by removing the plant from the listing of prohibited narcotics, the tourism sector has skilled both positive and negative repercussions. While it was anticipated that medical cannabis tourism would thrive, increasing concerns concerning the relaxed laws have led the Tourism Authority of Thailand to rethink its promotional strategy.
Initially, there was a surge in instances where foreign travellers consumed hashish merchandise unknowingly, mistaking them for strange food items. This prompted Thai embassies and government authorities throughout countries such as Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, China, and Singapore to problem reminders to their residents in regards to the dangers and penalties of cannabis use whereas in Thailand. Research from Chulalongkorn University additional revealed that the Chinese media has portrayed Thailand negatively as a tourist destination for the reason that legalisation of cannabis use.
Addressing Gift and international considerations, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn claims that despite the agency’s initial plans to make use of cannabis as a spearhead for medical tourism, current tourism products ought to be enough to strengthen the sector without relying on cannabis. He adds that the TAT will follow the brand new government’s course concerning future cannabis promotion.
Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, acknowledges the advantages of cannabis legalisation to the tourism business but expresses concerns concerning the lack of clear rules. She says lodge operators require extra steerage on dealing with circumstances such as cannabis smoking in hotel rooms and the associated penalties.
Chotechuang Soorangura, vice president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, argues that the federal government should consider the benefits and threats to public safety after a yr of legalisation. He suggests adopting clear rules and zoning designated areas for hashish use, drawing inspiration from European international locations and the US..