Searching for Cost-Effective 'Thailand Golf Trip'... Beware of Drug Offender Risks

Half Green Fees in Summer... From Pickup to Hotel and Tourism
Marijuana Spreading the Moment You Finish Rounding and Go Sightseeing
"If Marijuana is Added, It's 10,000 Won More Expensive... Beware of 'happy' Label"

A food truck on Khaosan Road in Bangkok, a popular tourist destination in Thailand, is selling marijuana to tourists. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] "After finishing a round of golf and drinking a refreshing green beverage, could you face criminal charges upon returning to Korea?"

As Thailand, known as a cost-effective golf travel destination, has legalized cannabis, special caution is required for golf travelers.

According to the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) on the 19th, the number of Koreans traveling to Thailand first exceeded 1 million in 2007, and in 2019, just before the COVID-19 outbreak, it recorded an all-time high of 1.89 million.

Above all, during the summer season, green fees are inexpensive, making it the most cost-effective destination for golf enthusiasts. Locally, green fees are generally set lower from April to October. In the northern region, Chiang Mai offers various promotions in May and June, while the western city of Hua Hin has promotions in August and September, allowing rounds at about half the price compared to peak season.

The issue is that since June, Thailand has removed regulations on cannabis, a type of narcotic. Although cannabis is designated as a controlled plant and legalized only for medical and health purposes, the underlying motive appears to be revitalizing the tourism industry, which was stagnant due to the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, the government itself distributes cannabis seedlings and encourages home cultivation, effectively removing control over cannabis.

"From Cooking to Drinks" One Wrong Move and You Might Swallow Cannabis

Thailand, which declared a 'war on drugs' several years ago, now appears to be a 'cannabis paradise.' In fact, local cafes, restaurants, and even street vendors reportedly display green marijuana leaf signs and sell food containing cannabis. Cannabis is added indiscriminately to local traditional dishes, drinks, ice cream, and snacks.

The probability of encountering cannabis on golf courses is low. The problem arises after the round, at tourist spots. For example, Khao San Road, a famous tourist destination, reportedly has such a strong 'fishy mugwort burning smell' characteristic of cannabis late at night that cannabis can be easily obtained on the streets.

Given this situation, visitors who do not understand the local circumstances beforehand may unintentionally consume cannabis contained in food.

Han Bo-young (29, female), who traveled to Thailand with her family earlier this month, said, "After finishing an afternoon round with my family, we visited Khao San Road, and the pungent smell was noticeable in the air." She added, "Cannabis powder-like substances were sold in small plastic containers on the street." She continued, "Green ice cream or green pudding snacks sold on the street also contained cannabis. Although the menu does not explicitly say 'happy' or 'high,' which directly mean cannabis, words that suggest drugs should be approached with caution."

'Really Ate Cannabis Without Knowing'?Will There Still Be Punishment?

A cannabis sales truck that appeared in downtown Bangkok after cannabis was removed from the list of narcotics in Thailand. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

What happens if you 'unknowingly' eat food containing cannabis ingredients in Thailand, where the likelihood of encountering cannabis has increased? To conclude, you will definitely face criminal punishment. Under criminal law, regardless of location or country, if a Korean consumes cannabis designated as a narcotic, criminal action is taken. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also emphasized the 'principle of nationality' and warned about cannabis.

Han said, "At a restaurant, I received a green drink in a glass as a welcome drink, and when I asked just in case, they said it was tea with cannabis juice." She warned, "Although signs or menus may have cannabis leaves drawn on them, menus that include cannabis are not asked about beforehand; if you do not request to exclude it, they serve it with cannabis."

Cannabis can be detected even with small amounts of consumption. The key is the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Currently, the Thai government officially limits THC content in cannabis products to 0.2% or less, but since cannabis is being added to various foods without clear regulation, travelers have practically no way to verify the content.

Jung Hye-yoon (38, female), who recently went golfing in Thailand, said, "I wanted to eat local pho, so I searched for a restaurant and went there, but the wilted leaves in the hot soup were not coriander but cannabis leaves." She added, "Cannabis-containing food costs about 300 to 500 baht (approximately 10,000 to 20,000 KRW) more, so knowing this in advance can be helpful."

Thailand and Travel Agencies 'Don't Care'... "Government-Level Warning Needed"

Currently, the Korean Embassy in Thailand has posted a warning on its homepage advising caution regarding cannabis when traveling to Thailand, but the Thailand Tourism Authority has only posted a notice stating that "it is important to recognize which parts of travel are legal or illegal," without clearly guiding travelers on necessary precautions.

The same goes for travel agencies. One travel agency responded to inquiries about "how to handle eating cannabis-containing food locally" by recommending, "It is best to research the relevant information yourself," adding, "It is not a matter the travel agency can take responsibility for, so it is difficult to provide guidance on narcotics handling precautions."

Park Young-duk, Rehabilitation Guidance Director at the Korea Anti-Drug Movement Headquarters, said, "No matter how low the THC content is, consuming food containing cannabis will definitely be detected, so caution is necessary." He criticized, "The current situation provides grounds for rationalizing 'I ate it unknowingly,' which is very dangerous." He further pointed out, "Both the Thailand Tourism Authority and our government need to provide clear guidance and warnings about cannabis."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.