PAI, THAILAND – Police in the northern tourist town of Pai strictly banned smoking of cannabis and cigarettes on public streets and significantly stepped up enforcement.
Joint patrols on Pai Walking Street
On 22 January 2026, police in the district of Pai in Mae Hong Son province carried out intensified patrols on the popular Walking Street together with the health authority, the Pai municipal administration and the tourist police. The operation began at around 7 p.m. and was explicitly aimed at enforcing a strict ban on smoking cannabis and tobacco in public areas along the busy nightlife and shopping street.
Seven violations recorded in one evening
During the checks, officers reported identifying seven violations: one case of cannabis smoking and six cases of cigarette smoking in public. Legal proceedings were initiated against all those involved, according to police, who initially did not provide details on possible fines or further penalties.
Rules reiterated for cannabis shops
Along Walking Street, several cannabis shops cater mainly to international visitors. During the operation, officers also briefed shop owners on legal requirements and reminded them that cannabis-infused products such as gummies or cookies may only be sold in line with applicable regulations. Operators were urged to ensure consistently that customers do not smoke inside the shops or in adjacent public areas.
Smoking limited to designated indoor areas
According to officials, smoking cannabis was permitted only in designated rooms within licensed establishments. Nevertheless, visitors, particularly foreign tourists, had repeatedly been observed smoking outside shops or directly on the street, leading to frequent complaints about strong cannabis odors, especially from people with high sensitivity to smells.
Ongoing measures during peak tourist season
Authorities linked the timing of the operation to the current high season in Pai, when the mountain town traditionally attracts many domestic and foreign guests. Police announced that warnings and checks on Walking Street and in other public areas would continue in order to minimize nuisance from smoke and odor and to safeguard public order during the most intensive tourist period of the year.