Reclassification of cannabis fuels tourism growth, claims tourism sectors
Thailand has made a significant move in its tourism industry by reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic, aiming to create a more family-friendly travel environment. This regulatory change reverses the previous period of more liberal recreational cannabis laws [1][2].
The key potential impacts of this decision are numerous.
Improved Safety Perception for Families
Tourism officials have expressed that non-cannabis-using tourists, especially families with children, previously felt unsafe in areas where cannabis odor and use were widespread. Tightening control over cannabis use should help reduce these concerns, encouraging more family visits [3][5].
Enhancement of Thailand's Family-friendly Image
The move limits cannabis shops and cannabis-related activities to prevent them from spreading in public and tourist areas, thus restoring Thailand's image as a welcoming destination for all age groups [3][5].
Alignment with Major Asian Markets
Countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, which are significant tourist sources, generally do not support cannabis use and even conduct drug tests upon return. Restricting cannabis use helps Thailand cater better to these markets [4].
Positioning Thailand as a Premium Wellness Destination
By focusing on medical cannabis only, Thailand can develop a niche in cannabis wellness tourism, attracting health-conscious visitors without the social issues linked to recreational use [4].
However, there are some negative consequences and trade-offs:
Loss of Cannabis Tourism Niche
Tourists who come specifically for recreational cannabis might reduce their visits, impacting cannabis-related businesses and communities (over 20,000 affected) [3][4][5].
Economic and Investment Uncertainty
Without clear government support for the transitioning cannabis sector, there may be investor hesitancy and perceptions of policy instability [3][4][5].
In summary, the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic in Thailand appears designed to prioritize family tourism growth and societal well-being by reducing recreational cannabis visibility and use in public spaces. This is expected to attract more family travelers and align tourism with regional cultural norms, albeit at the cost of shrinking the smaller cannabis tourism market and creating challenges for cannabis-related businesses [3][4][5].
Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the THA, argues that prioritizing the needs of family travellers outweighs catering to the smaller cannabis tourism market. The Association of Thai Tourism Marketing (ATTM) president Kitti Pornsiwakit notes that tightening cannabis regulations to allow only medical use has both benefits and drawbacks for the industry and the country.
Feedback from the tourism sector indicates that the reclassification will attract more family travellers. The Thai government, the Thai Hotels Association (THA), and the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) all believe this reclassification will have a positive impact on tourism [3][4][5].
References:
[1] Prachuabmoh, P. (2021, April 30). Thailand to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. Bangkok Post. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2000128/thailand-to-reclassify-cannabis-as-a-narcotic
[2] Vichit-Vadakan, S. (2021, April 30). Thailand to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, reversing liberal drug laws. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-to-reclassify-cannabis-as-narcotic-reversing-liberal-drug-laws-2021-04-30/
[3] Suthirak, S. (2021, May 3). Thailand's cannabis ban may deter European tourists. Nikkei Asia. https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Thailand-Update/Thailands-cannabis-ban-may-deter-European-tourists
[4] Chaiyabhat, N. (2021, May 3). Cannabis ban good for Thailand's image, tourism, says ATTA. Bangkok Post. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2000150/cannabis-ban-good-for-thailands-image-tourism-says-tta
[5] Khaosod English. (2021, May 3). Thailand's cannabis ban: What it means for the future of Thai tourism. Khaosod English. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/thailand/2021/05/03/thailands-cannabis-ban-what-it-means-for-the-future-of-thai-tourism/
- The tourism industry in Thailand is aiming to improve its family-friendly environment by tightening control over cannabis use, which alarmed families with children who felt unsafe in areas with widespread cannabis odor and use.
- The move to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic will not only restore Thailand's image as a welcoming destination but also better cater to significant tourist sources like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, whose cultures generally do not support cannabis use.
- With the focus on medical cannabis only, Thailand can position itself as a premium wellness destination, attracting health-conscious visitors without the social issues linked to recreational use, thus boosting growth in the field of cannabis wellness tourism.
- However, carrying out these regulations may result in economic and investment uncertainty due to a lack of clear government support for the transitioning cannabis sector, potentially causing investor hesitancy and concerns about policy instability.
- The reclassification of cannabis is expected to adversely affect cannabis-related businesses and communities, as tourists who come specifically for recreational cannabis might reduce their visits, impacting these sectors significantly.
