BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s experiment with cannabis legalization came under intense pressure as doctors and activists demanded a full policy reversal ahead of elections.
Hospital admissions surged after delisting
Since cannabis was removed from the narcotics list in June 2022, hospital admissions linked to its use reportedly soared. In one major tourist destination, monthly cannabis-related admissions rose 3.5 times, from 40 to 115 cases.
“The number of hospitalized patients shot up from zero to 90 in two years,”
said Bundit Sornpaisarn, expert. He added that the most worrying aspect was that 80 percent of these patients were foreigners.
Phuket clinics report severe strain
On Phuket, the situation in Thalang district became particularly acute, with cannabis-related hospital cases now seven times higher than those involving crystal meth.
“Staff have to deal with much more aggressive patients,”
said Dr. Tappana Sumpatanarax, of the Vachira clinic. In local psychiatric wards, 10 of 12 beds were reportedly reserved for cannabis users, leaving the system close to collapse.
Tourism sector split over ‘stoner paradise’ image
The legalization move also divided the tourism industry, as wealthier visitors avoided streets that smelled strongly of cannabis. At the same time, another type of tourist was arriving.
“A huge number of budget tourists are delighted with the liberal cannabis policy,”
said Bundit. Observers warned that Thailand risked losing its image as a premium destination and turning instead into a “stoner’s paradise” for budget travelers.
Youth network demands cannabis ban
The Youth Network Against Cannabis launched a public campaign, sharply criticizing the government.
“It is clear that the government made a mistake. It cannot restrict use to medical purposes,”
said Yodsakorn Khunphakdee, coordinator of the group. The network’s demand was explicit: cannabis must be put back on the narcotics list, and the next government must state its position clearly.
Parties pressed to clarify election promises
A coalition of doctors and activists confronted political parties with a stark choice: full liberalization or prohibition. They argued that the era of vague statements was over and that the election campaign had to clarify the future of the controversial drug. With alarming health data, they insisted that politics could no longer delay action without allowing the crisis to deepen.
Key election issue with no easy answers
The pressure on policymakers intensified with each new hospital statistic, turning cannabis policy into a central campaign issue. Parties that courted liberal tourists now faced a clash with public health concerns, and no simple solution was in sight. What seemed certain was that the next government would have to act immediately after the vote, as the costs of the experiment were becoming unbearable for the health system.