The plan is to allow local authorities to establish ‘zones’ where cannabis can be sold and consumed, Governor Sophon explained in his announcement, made during the opening speech at Phuket City Council meeting at Phuket City Hall yesterday (June 18).
The Phuket City Council meeting was the first of the new term after the councillors elected in the May elections were approved by the Election Commission of Thailand earlier this month.
Phuket City Municipality is preparing to draft a letter to the government to propose that there be ‘zoning’ for selling and consuming cannabis in areas throughout the island systematically, said an official report of the announcement.
It was reported that a letter had been submitted to the central government previously, asking it to consider measures to control cannabis shops, preventing them from being located in important tourist areas or near communities, which could affect youth and foreign tourists.
The move follows Phuket officials receiving numerous complaints from locals and tourists, both regarding the smell, which has an impact on the image of tourism, Governor Sophon said.
Today (June 19), there is to be discussions between senators and local government agencies to push this policy to the government level, Governor Sophon noted.
“Initially, they want the Ministry of Public Health to issue an announcement or authorize local governments to control areas for selling and consuming cannabis in the same way as controlling service or entertainment venues.
“However, we will have to keep an eye on what the conclusion will be and which areas in Phuket will be designated as permitted or prohibited zones in the future,” he added.
Of note, the decriminalisation of cannabis in Thailand ‒ and the relentless proliferation of cannabis shops and venues throughout Phuket ‒ was spearheaded by Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party.
Anutin is currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, a position he has held through successive governments. From 2019 to 2023, and thus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he was the Minister of Public Health in the Prayut Chan-o-cha government.