28-5-2023 (SINGAPORE and BANGKOK) Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, has long been a popular destination for Singaporeans seeking relaxation, shopping, and culinary delights. However, in recent times, the appeal has taken on an additional dimension since Thailand became the first Asian country to legalize the use of cannabis.
Following the removal of cannabis from its list of controlled drugs in June last year, a multitude of shops offering cannabis-related products have sprung up across the kingdom. As CNA’s Thailand correspondent, Saksith Saiyasombut, aptly described, these establishments have emerged “like mushrooms.” In fact, it is estimated that approximately 5,000 cannabis businesses have flourished throughout Thailand, with a staggering 1,000 of them concentrated in Bangkok alone.
The streets of Bangkok now feature dispensaries stocked with various strains of cannabis, restaurants serving cannabis-infused dishes and drinks, and spas offering massages using oils derived from cannabis. These establishments have seamlessly become part of Bangkok’s landscape, drawing little attention from passersby. Program host Diana Ser, while exploring a street in Sukhumvit district lined with mobile trucks selling cannabis products, commented, “No one, absolutely no one, is batting an eyelid.”
Observing the presence of English-language signs, menus, and English-speaking staff in some of these shops, Saksith noted that tourists are undoubtedly among the target audience. One dispensary, Four Twenty Dispensary, revealed that Singaporean customers frequent their establishment. Mark Nakayama, the senior operations manager, shared that Singaporeans often inquire about cannabis flowers but also show interest in edibles and accessories.
Kiew Kai Ka restaurant, renowned for its innovative use of fresh and dried cannabis leaves in its culinary creations, has been drawing the attention of Singaporean patrons, according to manager Mike Nuttapong. “They’re curious about how it tastes and maybe the side effects… when they consume our dishes,” he shared.
However, Singapore’s strict laws against drug consumption have raised concerns for those indulging in cannabis-infused experiences while abroad. The country’s legislation states that citizens or permanent residents found to have abused drugs outside of Singapore will be treated as if they had done so within the country. This could result in imprisonment ranging from one to ten years and/or a fine of up to S$20,000.
Navigating this delicate situation becomes even more challenging due to certain shops in Thailand claiming that their products, such as cannabis-flavored gummies, do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Similarly, spas offering cannabis massages may assure guests that their oils only contain cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating component of cannabis known for its medical properties and absence of psychoactive effects.
To shed light on the matter, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Chulalongkorn University, Sornkanok Vimolmangkang, explained that CBD oils used in massages could potentially contain THC. While small amounts may not be detectable in the body, regular and heavy usage could result in detectable levels.
In a study conducted last year, Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Chulalongkorn University, Kuakarun Krusong, discovered that over 30 percent of samples from cannabis-flavored beverages sold in eateries contained THC levels exceeding the limits permitted under Thai law.
Navigating the complexities of consuming cannabis-related products abroad becomes even more problematic due to the ambiguity surrounding their contents. Some shops in Thailand claim that their products, such as cannabis-flavored gummies, do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis. Likewise, spas offering cannabis massages assure guests that their oils solely contain cannabidiol (CBD), which lacks psychoactive effects. However, experts warn that CBD oils used in massages may still contain traces of THC, especially with regular and heavy usage.
Lab testing conducted by program host Diana Ser revealed that four out of six cannabis-flavored beverages contained THC, contrary to their labeling. This discrepancy emphasizes the need for clear and accurate labeling to inform consumers of any THC content. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam stated that when someone is found to have consumed drugs, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) in Singapore will investigate. Unwitting consumption typically does not result in legal consequences.
To shed light on the issue, Thai participants were invited to dine at Kiew Kai Ka and underwent self-testing for THC over three days. The results came out negative, suggesting that consuming cannabis-infused food may not lead to detectable levels of THC. However, experts caution that laboratory tests and hair sample analyses may yield more sensitive results than self-testing kits.
Despite the thriving cannabis industry in Thailand, public debate surrounding its legalization continues. The Move Forward Party, led by prime-ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, and its political allies recently signed an agenda that includes the reinstatement of cannabis as a banned narcotic. This move has faced opposition from pro-cannabis groups like the Cannabis Future Network. Nevertheless, the rapid growth of the cannabis industry raises questions about the fate of businesses and individuals involved in this sector.
