Thailand targets medical tourism

Thailand is attempting extremely hard to reboot tourism however so far it hasn’t quite worked, particularly with the recent rise in Covid-19 transmission.

Some of you may remember my story on the lengthy 31 steps process to obtain a visa, and 90 days of pre-paid accommodation also required were a bit demotivating for some. Then it became a little creative with the Tinder partnership, and with few exceptions, has continued to be a struggle, despite the relaxing of international visa requirements.

Now, whilst many countries around the globe are moving forward towards legalizing the growth and the consumption of cannabis, Thailand became late 2019 one of these countries after approving the legalization of growing medical cannabis with specific standards and regulations. Thailand is the only country in south-east Asia to legalize growing cannabis for medical purposes and It will also launch cannabis tours programs for International and domestic tourism.

Like most south-east Asian countries, Thailand is famous for its beautiful holiday destinations and its severe punishments on drugs.

For tourists travelling to Thailand, the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal with penalties, including up to 10 years in prison. Tourists will be able to gain access to medical marijuana with a prescription by going through the proper channels.

Thailand’s tourism and sports minister, Pipat Ratchakitprakan, is encouraging “weed tourism” as a way to bring economic benefits outside of the manufacturing of cannabis. Building a “quality tourism” campaign aimed at Europeans and Americans to visit for “beaches and relaxation.”

Cannabis tours in Thailand will be like the wine tours in other countries. It will consist of visiting cannabis farms with a guide who explains how they grow the best quality cannabis and give other information’s. Thereafter the guests can purchase the cannabis products created for health & wellness, and food & beverage.