Phuket pressed to tackle issues vexing tourists

*### NEWS*arrow*. ### LIFE*arrow*. #### TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE. ### GURU*arrow*. #### TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE. ### VIDEO*arrow*. ### SERVICES*arrow*. ### OTHER*arrow*. # Phuket pressed to tackle issues vexing tourists. Phuket must tackle the persistent cannabis odour, lax rental motorcycle regulations and tourist safety concerns that are deterring visitors, local leaders have warned. Mr Rawat said local tour operators raised three main issues about tourism in Phuket during a recent Thai tourism promotion roadshow in Australia: cannabis odour, inappropriate motorcycle rentals and the lack of direct flights between Australia and Phuket. The smell of cannabis is pervasive in Phuket, and the Ministry of Public Health has not come up with a clear plan to address the issue, he said. As for motorcycle rental, he said foreign visitors rent motorcycles without knowing how to ride safely, treating Phuket's roads as a trail ground. He added Australian tourists strongly prefer direct flights to Phuket. GET DAILY UPDATES FROM THE BANGKOK POST.*

Published: 2026-03-14 18:07 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket authorities are under increasing pressure to address persistent issues that are discouraging tourists, including the widespread smell of cannabis, inadequate regulation of motorcycle rentals, and ongoing safety concerns, according to local tourism leaders following a recent promotional roadshow in Australia.

During the roadshow, Phuket tour operators highlighted three main concerns raised by Australian tourists: the pervasive odour of cannabis in public areas, the ease with which foreign visitors can rent motorcycles without proper training or licensing, and the limited availability of direct flights from Australia to Phuket. These issues, operators warn, are having a tangible impact on the island’s appeal to international travelers and could threaten Phuket’s reputation as a top tourist destination.

Rawat, a representative of the local tour operator community, noted that the smell of cannabis has become a frequent complaint among visitors. Despite the Ministry of Public Health’s ongoing review of cannabis regulations, there has yet to be a clear plan or enforcement strategy to address public use and odour concerns, leaving both tourists and residents frustrated.

Another major issue involves the rental of motorcycles to tourists, many of whom have little or no experience riding in Thailand’s often challenging traffic conditions. Tour operators reported that some visitors treat Phuket’s roads as a personal playground, leading to a rise in accidents and injuries. The lack of stricter regulations or mandatory safety briefings for renters has sparked calls for local authorities to implement more robust oversight and enforcement.

Additionally, Australian tourists expressed a strong preference for direct flights to Phuket, citing convenience and reduced travel time. Currently, the limited number of direct connections from Australia to Phuket means many travelers must transfer through Bangkok or other regional hubs, which can add hours to their journey and potentially deter repeat visits.

For Phuket residents, these issues not only affect the island’s tourism-driven economy but also raise concerns about public safety and quality of life. The increasing number of inexperienced motorists on local roads and the unchecked spread of cannabis odour have prompted calls for swift action from both provincial and national authorities.

Officials are now considering a range of responses, including stricter enforcement of motorcycle rental regulations and clearer guidelines on cannabis use in public spaces. As the peak tourist season approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how swiftly and effectively these challenges are addressed in order to maintain Phuket’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3084312/phuket-pressed-to-tackle-issues-vexing-tourists