A People's Party MP has asked the newly formed government to urgently address the widespread use of cannabis in Phuket, warning the province's image as a world-class tourist destination is at risk.
Chalermpong Saengdee said on Thursday that although the Bhumjaithai Party-led government will only have four months in office, it is enough time to fix long-standing issues, particularly since the party was the driving force behind the legalisation of cannabis.
Critics claim the policy has had a wide-ranging impact, including harming tourism. Phuket, given its status, has suffered most in terms of the cost to its reputation, they say.
Mr Chalermpong said the issue must be dealt with urgently.
"In the past, Phuket was a top holiday destination. Now, whichever beach you visit, there is the lingering smell of cannabis," he said.
While supporting its medicinal use and benefit to the economy, he insisted cannabis shops must be properly regulated.
"Alcohol and beer sales are limited by zones and hours, yet cannabis -- which has been removed from the narcotics list [for two years] -- remains uncontrolled, spreading everywhere.
"Not everyone, every family or every country views cannabis positively. We must take this into account," he said.
He warned that Phuket is losing higher-quality tourists as a result.
