Thailand’s Minister of Health I begged Charnvirakul trying to cool the enthusiasm of foreigners to come to the country to smoke cannabis.
On Wednesday, Anutin gave a blunt answer to reporters when asked about his opinion on the recreational use of cannabis by foreigners.
– We do not welcome such tourists, Anutin said according to the news agency Reuters.
Thailand practically legalized cannabis in June. According to the government, cannabis should only be used as a medicine, but in the absence of regulation, it is sold as an intoxicant at many outlets.
The companies in the industry have set up special smoking rooms in connection with the stores, which have been popular among both locals and foreigners.
Anutin said that the recreational use of cannabis can be considered when the substance is better known.
– It may come into question in the near future, Anutin said.
Thai lawmakers are expected to finalize a new law in September that will more precisely regulate the use and sale of cannabis.
Currently smoking cannabis in a public place can result in fines of hundreds of euros or up to three months in prison.
Thailand expects tourism to increase
Health Minister Anutin commented on the cannabis issue when tourism-dependent Thailand is preparing for the new tourism season starting in the fall. The authorities estimate that 8-10 million tourists will arrive in the country this year.
Last year, only 428,000 people came to Thailand from abroad due to strict corona restrictions. Before the pandemic, in the record year 2019, there were almost 40 million arrivals.
Anutin has previously estimated that Thailand’s cannabis industry could be worth more than three billion euros in five years.
A Malaysian health official told Reuters news agency on Wednesday that Malaysia plans to learn from Thailand’s cannabis policy as it plans to legalize cannabis for medicinal use.
The health ministers of Thailand and Malaysia are scheduled to meet next week at the Apec meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Thailand will present its medical cannabis-related activities at the meeting.