Phuket Tourist Association President Thaneth Tantipiriyakit told The Phuket News that the province is still waiting for movement on the zoning plan, while the private sector continues pushing for cannabis to be reinstated as a Category 5 narcotic.
He explained that reclassification would not affect licensed growers or medical users but would allow authorities to impose narcotics-level penalties on illegal sellers, including arrest and asset seizure ‒ measures he says are needed to curb recreational use and public smoking.
Mr Thaneth warned that current laws give public health officials only limited enforcement tools, such as warnings, small fines and temporary suspensions. He also noted that Phuket’s growing image as a “cannabis capital” is still harming family tourism.
He added that the push for reclassification has been ongoing since former Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and is supported by the Joint Public–Private Consultative Committee. The final decision rests with the full Narcotics Committee, he said.
Despite discussions, the cannabis zoning plan, a key issue for Phuket, saw no progress. Officials said provincial regulations are “being considered”, with no timeline or draft guidelines provided.
Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, who is also Secretary of the House of Representatives Tourism Committee, stressed that the goal remains a balanced, practical framework that ensures public safety, protects tourism and allows legal medical access, keeping Phuket a safe and internationally recognised destination.
He noted that the private sector is pushing for stricter measures because current laws have loopholes and remain unclear, making enforcement difficult ‒ particularly in public, tourist-heavy and high-density areas. Improper use, he said, could harm Phuket’s image and reputation among families and high-spending visitors.
“The meeting with provincial agencies was an important step, demonstrating cooperation between Phuket’s legislative and executive branches to develop a comprehensive cannabis control framework,” he said.
MP Chalermpong added that the Tourism Committee will carefully review all feedback and coordinate with relevant provincial and national agencies to implement practical solutions that support sustainable tourism growth while safeguarding Phuket’s image.
The meeting chaired by MP Chalermpong with provincial agencies at Phuket Provincial Hall last Sunday (Nov 23) was held to discuss the impact of cannabis use on tourism and explore sustainable control measures.
Vice Governor Adul Chuthong participated in the session, including representatives from Phuket Public Health office, police, tourism agencies and the private sector attended and exchanged views on regulatory approaches.
The PPHO reported there are now 1,546 licensed cannabis shops in Phuket. Enforcement is ongoing under the Thai Traditional Medicine Cannabis Control and Promotion Act and the Ministry of Public Health’s 2025 Notification on Controlled Herbs, which bans smoking inside shops or in designated areas near schools, temples, and hospitals. Despite this, violations in some locations have damaged Phuket’s tourism image.
The meeting also considered proposals from Phuket Cannabis Association President Poonwarit Wangpatravanich outlined three guiding principles: protecting children and youth, allowing legal medical and health-related use, and reducing profits for criminal networks.
Meanwhile, the private tourism sector again suggested reclassifying cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic, citing gaps in current law that hinder enforcement, particularly in public and tourist popular areas.