The particular sale of cannabis and cannabis products by street vendors is usually illegal and if the particular rule is violated, it is the police’s work to take criminal action against the offenders, said Phra Nakhon district chief Wasan Boonmuenwai.
Mr Wasan was talking after Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated he smelled cannabis while jogging close to Khao San Street, a popular night enjoyment strip, in the district.
This prompted Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to call on law enforcement agents to police arrest people trading in cannabis and marijuana products on the street.
Mr Wasan said even though area officials cannot create arrests, they may notify the police if sales take place in public locations. Phra Nakhon region officials
routinely send thessakij inspectors to patrol Khao San Road in two shifts — 9am–6pm, and 6pm–6am daily. During the second shift, inspections are usually conducted with Chana Songkhram police and military officers. The authorities typically look out for individuals smoking cannabis in public areas. If discovered, these smokers may be charged on the spot.
Mr Wasan said the two hundred vendors on Khao San Road are usually issued licences to market food, beverages, clothing, jewellery and add-ons. He mentioned inspectors have found four shops on Khao San Road promoting cannabis products.
At the same time, Yada Pornpetrampa, president of the Bangkok plus Khao San Street Vendors Association, mentioned the recent decriminalisation of cannabis is doing more harm than good for tourism. She said tales were being contributed on social media associated with tourists falling ill after smoking marijuana on Khao San Road. Cannabis smoke cigarettes may drive away vacationers who come because families, as mother and father fear their children coming in contact with harmful substances.