Tourism operators say the new cannabis and hemp draft law prohibiting recreational use could lead to dispensaries closing down, but it wouldn't affect the overall tourism industry as hemp is not a major draw for foreign tourists.
Earlier this week, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew endorsed a new draft of the cannabis and hemp control bill, aiming to restrict recreational usage, limiting it to medical purposes. The draft requires cabinet approval before it is submitted to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, said the draft is a good move to limit cannabis use to medical purposes because it would create more public benefits.
After the government decriminalised cannabis use in 2022, Samui experienced an increase in cannabis shops and dispensaries, with about 600 stores on the island, said Mr Ratchaporn.
Given the lack of regulations, concerns arose over illegal weed use among youngsters and widespread recreational use among foreigners in public areas, unaware such actions were against the law, he said.
If the new draft is enacted, roughly 20% of cannabis shops might shutter based on decreasing demand, said Mr Ratchaporn.
However, it wouldn't disrupt the tourism industry as cannabis and hemp usage are not a major draw for foreign tourists to Thailand tourism, he said.
Only a small number of foreign visitors specifically visit Thailand to smoke cannabis as the products are prohibited in their home countries, while this group is not a target segment for the country, said Mr Ratchaporn.
Cannabis stores have been in fierce competition lately as owners compete for customers amid sluggish inbound arrivals, he said.
Mr Ratchaporn said while cannabis may help spur income for the economy, the government should clearly regulate control measures of these products to prevent illegal imports. If smoking is allowed, it should be designated via clear zoning, either in shops or dedicated lounges, as in Amsterdam or some cities in the US, he said.
Regulations should be enforced to prohibit youths from smoking cannabis as well as driving after consumption, similar to laws governing alcohol, said Mr Ratchaporn.
Damrongkieat Pinijkarn, secretary of the Pattaya Entertainment Association, said many foreign tourists in the city smoke weed in public areas and inside entertainment venues without knowing the rules, disturbing other customers and pedestrians in the area. During the vacuum period for regulations, officials were unable to enforce the law against misuse, he said.
In addition, along Pattaya Walking Street many street vendors are selling weed without sufficient quality control, leading to negative outcomes for consumers, said Mr Damrongkieat.
He said he agreed with the new draft as not many foreigners choose Thailand and Pattaya as a destination solely for cannabis, compared with nightlife activities, meaning tourism in the area should continue.
