Whiffy Phuket urges cannabis blitz

LAX RULES, ERRATIC TOURISTS HARM ISLAND'S IMAGE

- ACHADTHAYA CHUENNIRAN

»Phuket is calling for stricter cannabis regulations following a surge in incidents involving foreign tourists whose erratic behaviour has tarnished its tourism image.

Phuket Tourism Association vice-president Sarayut Mallum said many recent cases of foreign visitors acting strangely were linked to excessive cannabis use. "Some tourists smoked several joints in succession, leading to hallucinations and dangerous actions," he said. He cited an incident involving a group of French motorcyclists who smoked cannabis before riding. "The misuse of cannabis has become a growing concern for the tourism industry," he said.

Mr Sarayut said the private sector supported reclassifying cannabis for medical rather than recreational use. Local cannabis vendors should be consulted on responsible sales.