Thailand: Drugs, Tourists and Prison Time

Desperate to revive tourism after the crippling impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand has relaxed its drug laws. But will doing so worsen the complex drug problems the nation already faces?
Subscribe to Journeyman here: kzbin.info_c...
Pre-pandemic, 20 per cent of Thailand's GDP stemmed from tourism - but when COVID-19 swept the globe, the industry came to a standstill. In the wake of the pandemic, Thailand has relaxed its infamously strict drug laws in a bid to rejuvenate the tourism industry - with cannabis legalised in June. Legal expert Nathan Feeney has seen countless tourists arrested for drug offenses over the years: 'This is the plot of a lot of movies - you come to Thailand, get involved in drugs, you get arrested, and life's over. Now we've got cafes open in public legally selling marijuana'. Yet this drastic change to the law coincides with Thailand being flooded with record quantities of drugs from Myanmar, particularly the infamous methamphetamine 'Yaba'. 'They want to sell drugs in order to buy weapons to fight Myanmar's military junta', explains one drug officer. But for social worker Toon, the government's policy towards drugs is wrong-headed, and ignores the needs of local communities: 'The government policy on drug issues every year focuses only on suppression. But what about the community?'
For more information, visit www.journeyman.tv/film/8347
Like us on Facebook: / journeymanpictures
Follow us on Twitter:
/ journeymannews
/ journeymanvod
Follow us on Instagram: / journeymanpictures
Visit our subreddit: / journeymanpictures
SBS Australia - Ref. 8347

[@AwokenEntertainment]

Thailand is taking steps in the right direction but still has a way to go..

[@TheAustinJapan]

In 2018, a friend dropped his cigarrette pack while both of us so drunk at the Phuket Songkran festival .... his friend put his cigarette pack in his pants. The police stopped the person carrying his cigarrette pack and they discovered a "rolled cigarette." The police claimed is was a marijuanna joint and requested a 100,000 baht fee to avoid court. This would be a second law breaking situation. The Phuket police refused a "Urine test." The tourist went to court and the Thailand government court, in Phuket, BANNED A TOURIST FOR LIFE for not paying the Phuket police a "100,000 baht fee". Being stuck there for 3 months and paying a Phuket lawyer - never told the client he was banned for life and did not tell the lawyer's "client" he had to go to a detention center.... every tourist should tell their stories...

[@spannaspinna]

That’s what happens when you go looking for lady boys

[@420skidrow]

corrupted ass country BS

[@wildy59]

BE AWARE! The Hells Angels and Bloods alliance heads are having talks while you are reading this about their monopole in North America. They want to eradicate the Tai Huen Chai, know as the big circle, and the 14K in the continent. The goal is to overtake all of their activities in the territory. According to their plans, they will be supported by the Sinaloa Cartel and the Sun Yee On for a part of the gains obtained and it would be done by early 2024. If everything goes as planned, the Hells Angels and the Bloods will help the Sun Yee On to continue the Tai Huen Chai and the 14K hunt in Asia. They told their mens to prioritize the capture, mostly for torture and interrogation before killing and for selling but to kill right away if they can not capture. This is what the members having close ties with the Hells Angels chapter leaders are talking about. Some had already start moving to the targeted main operation areas and had been told that it is safe to because the Tai Huen Chai and 14K members are weak and stupid, rat like beings. They have to get the job done by any means, even if mass killing is needed. If you are involved tell you comrades about what is happening before it is too late to prevent the bloodbath and their fall!!!!

[@arsethr.g3787]

@@spannaspinna or kids

[@katiix]

That's the true name Phuket?! In English it's "Fuck it" 🤭😆

[@Kerberos1123]

“Anything under a 100g”😂 that’s quite the bag my bro

[@willsmith39]

Yeah he just pulled that stat right out his a#ss. Why not be honest and say he doesn't know. Which given its one of many things not clear in the bill would have been the true answer anyway.

[@mjones410]

haha yes, there is a dispensary in Buriram selling 100g jars for 35,000 baht, they are big jars

[@Kerberos1123]

@@mjones410 can’t beat those south asia prices!

[@notayoutuber6395]

This is what journeyman's original content is.

[@foxtailedcritter]

It's kinda depressing that Thailand is now more progressive then Australia (where I live) when it comes to weed. We need to legalize or decrimlize.

[@yatesy117]

I wouldn't even risk being caught smoking a cigarette in Thailand some of horror stories I've heard seriously lol

[@koshurkot3892]

Fork Australia

[@marmitaa8619]

To keep you docile. Why do you think alcohol is sold everywhere, and even promoted in some places. As long as they are pumping taxes out of it.

[@whoami5955]

@@yatesy117 same here

[@juliogonzo2718]

I'm in Canada and prior to legalization here, some worried that everyone would be high all the time. Really the people were high all the time before are still now and the people who smoked occasionally still do. It was one of the few things our liberal government has done that I agree with.

[@AcidOllie]

Well done to that massage parlour mother. The world needs more people willing to help others less fortunate than themselves.

[@MrBunghole666]

how many bordels have you visited bro?

[@Atheist409]

@@MrBunghole666 just your mom’s

[@MrBunghole666]

@@Atheist409 Oooooh zinger! Nice.

[@paul2081ok]

@@MrBunghole666 Lots cowboy.

[@AlreadyShort]

parlor

[@tvfan14]

I am highly impressed with this dcoumentry. The lady known as "mum" is truly a service to other person. Inspiring seeing her helping all of those women.

[@abhishekthackur9382]

Woow....respects to ur reporting guys..❤️👍🌼

[@ralphralpherson9441]

Please note: That dude has his massive coughing attack at 4:20 in the video... Well done editor. well done. (his cheeky smile cracked me up... he looks at the camera like "damn boy, this some dank ass gas!")😄😄

[@ceasarcruz8312]

that's some toothpick of a joint tho...

[@jojothetasmaniansassmonkey8866]

very high quality

[@davidbrown4271]

The chronic 🤓

[@davidboudreau4054]

Hopefully Thai sticks will come back. I smoked some of that back in the 1970's, and it was excellent.

[@shanabenjamin8945]

Respect to all families who taking in kids damaged by druggie parents 👏 May these little people heal.

[@27273100]

Agreed. Every child is going through all kinds of hell. May Goddess heal the children. They deserve a chance in life.

[@OakleyANDSittingBull]

@journeymanfilms, I have *greatly appreciated* your productions for *many years.* However, regarding this title, *imprinted subtitles in the English language during the conversation in the Thai language* would’ve helped to retain more viewership. *Thanks* for the films!💐

[@st3ddie]

Something definitely needs to change because the approach that government & police are taking just isn't working.

[@vadermasktruth]

God bless that mother!! Heart of gold!!

[@Resmith18SR]

I used to visit Thailand long term and if they don't make their immigration laws more hospitable for foreigners they will never recover from loss of tourism due to the pandemic. Legal marijuana, gogo bars, prostitution, Lady Boys, are not enough.

[@quiveringmoist7558]

Funniest thing was when weed was illegal in Thailand Thailand itself was one of the largest sources of illegal weed in SE Asia.

[@jeremyooi1996]

Yaba, Crystal Meth & Heroin has been Thailand’s biggest problem.. decriminalising Marijuana will indirectly reduce the demand for these synthetic drugs

[@xm47ecr36]

Said no meth addict ever lol 🤣 meth addicts dont go from meth to weed bro lol 🤣🤣🤣

[@Nick-fy1zp]

don't make me laugh.

[@brah04X]

@@Nick-fy1zp It might not satisfy anyone into heavier drugs that need to shut off his mind, but it's a great substitution when people are ready to quit the heavy substances, or just need something lighter to calm themselves.

[@kekipark77]

great docu. very informative

[@markdeungria6944]

NOT THE SIMS 3 BUY MODE MUSIC AT 4:16 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@tvfan14]

This is SO COOL!! I wanted to visit Thailand really bad in 2020 when watching documentaries about it, now I want to visit it way more!! Good documentary!

[@goal-goal-goalllllll]

I went earlier this year. Definitely go when you get a chance

[@robhappe2705]

I remember The Netherlands 30 years ago when there were plans to legalize cannabis. They were vilified by most countries.

[@jl8754]

Can't wait to finally visit!

[@iainooooo]

Great documentary

[@konne16]

Always wear a mask or cover your mouth during a boat trip, one drop of water might send you lots to hospital or worse..

[@sgjoni]

I’m so glad to see these changes. When I lived in Thailand in 91-92 as an exchange student drugs were illegal but the attitudes to use were very lenient and relaxed… very live and let live… apart from the war on opioid trafficking. I thought it was refreshing and in line with the general Thai culture. Then it became very hardline which I thought was very surprising given the Thai culture. Now it seems Thailand is returning to it’s “Live and let live” roots and that warms my heart.

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Drugs have ruined my life and I have no sympathy for dealers who have killed 10people I know. You have no idea what they are like

[@Lee-ic2yn]

@@MrPINKFL0YD 😆 you're just weak

[@ramdas363]

@@MrPINKFL0YD That's like saying "people ruined my life". The experience depends entirely on the drug, the user, and a lot of other factors. Unless those drugs were forced on you at a young age, the first step to betterment is realizing that you ruined your life, not substances that don't even have agency. If you have a (maybe genetic) high addiction risk, obviously you need to stay away, but that goes for legal substances like alcohol all the same. The distinction between "drug", "medicine", "beverage" etc is purely in our minds, do to laws, cultural norms and in large parts political propaganda.

[@Frivals]

Ban all drugs!❌

[@Paul_G_FoodReview]

Great video, i live just around the corner from that high times coffe shop

[@auang]

legalization has increased availability but has pushed prices up a lot.

[@writers_delight]

This is in part applies to many disadvantaged people the world over, people do drugs to temporarily escape the crushing effects of poverty. As much money as governments spend on keeping drugs out of the hands of people who want to use, the money could be better spent alleviating poverty. Job training, safe affordable housing, modernizing countries' infrastructure, doing it environmentally sound. This includes pockets of first world countries as well.

[@bigvinnie3]

WOAH a sane rational approach to drugs. That's insane lol.

[@pallydex]

Wow, i guess no rich dude ever done drugs. LOL XD. Such argument wow, no poverty no drugs! Keep it up cowboy!

[@user-hv9vn4fi4w]

Never drugs in my life! It's no way

[@bigvinnie3]

@@pallydex He said it applies to many disadvantaged people. Of course the rich also use drugs and many of them are also using them to escape from difficult situations or to self medicate. Also some people use them because they enjoy them. But the fact is poor people do tend to face the consequences of drug use especially the legal ones more often than the wealthy.

[@bigvinnie3]

@@user-hv9vn4fi4w Well that's a smart choice and I applaud you for it. But It's not your job or the government's job to decide that for others. If grown adults want to use drugs on private property that no one else's business.

[@Samthemancharles]

Thanks for having half the subtitles disappear off the screen.

[@conradvancouver7276]

Best way to transform consciousness - sleep. Worst drug for most of the world - all ages - sugar.

[@creamydistortion]

American fake sugar, yes. Thailand has amazing organic honey for a good price.

[@educo8120]

Good to know how real are the things thanks

[@jontomas2271]

Isn't it funny how so many shows, politicians, etc. talk about the "problem" of drugs but EXCLUDE the most destructive drug on the planet - alcohol?

[@leon70133]

This is great progress. This is proof with consistent legislation and a market people will always snap up business opportunities

[@pedenmk]

I feel bad for the poverty stricken people. I would love visiting Thailand. Great episode thank you.

[@spiderreed350]

I feel Bad for the poverty stricken people I'm my country, USA.

[@oralcummings4850]

@@spiderreed350 Totally agree.

[@annchurchill2638]

I am now living in Thailand. Girls have no training for a a decent job, so they turn to selling sex, drugs to support themselves and their children.

[@creamydistortion]

Thailand has much less poverty than America does. Thai families stick together, no excuses, so there are very few homeless men. I live here and I bought a house with cash, for my family (in America I was homeless). America is obsolete.

[@creamydistortion]

@@spiderreed350 Thailand has much less poverty than America does. Thai families stick together, no excuses, so there are very few homeless men. I live here and I bought a house with cash, for my family (in America I was homeless). America is obsolete.

[@snapdragon6601]

Did he say that 14% ratio of women to men in prison is the world's highest ratio? Wow, then many of us men out there must be really bad. I had to play it back because I thought maybe he said 40% but nope, only 14%.

[@SuperYrch]

1 gram for about 10 USD??? That is way cheaper than what it is in Cali.

[@kevenreynolds333]

In 2018, Thailand became the first Asian nation to legalize medical cannabis. Cannabis became decriminalized and smoking/vaping at public places can still attract penalty/ imprisonment under public nuisance . Cannabis dispensaries were available as early as April 2022.

[@shawnryan2197]

Do you live in Thailand?

[@creamydistortion]

@@shawnryan2197 Yes.

[@creamydistortion]

Psilocybin is next - The Thai ministry of health and Khon Kean University are beginning psychedelic research... It's a beautiful thing. Greetings from Chiang Rai.

[@nicolasrose3064]

Imagine, on the 31/12/2021 you are busted and sentenced to ten years and on the 2/01/2022 your friends are smoking joints in the cafe next to the prison.....

[@justintimefortea7655]

All who were in prison on cannabis related offences have been (or are being) released 😉👍🏼

[@omartamas3041]

$14 a gram is pricey

[@YTviewer118]

4:26 "VERRRRY HIGH QUAWITY" - Nah fam, you're just a rookie cartoon character looking kid

[@1inabillion]

that Japanese guy is having a time of his life, I hope he's still there and in not in prison 🤣

[@tonys8448]

😂

[@zerohours.]

Dude was hilarious when he went back for another hit, "High quality stuff"

[@pauljones8218]

he ended up getting 6 months

[@bongchong7748]

@@pauljones8218 what?

[@laurence2421]

That Japanese tourist 4 minutes in looks like a young version of my grandfather. Our eyes don't narrow any further when smoking. Our eyeballs are too big

[@Mikeb8134]

Thank you!

[@backtoobasics]

Grow your own. No gov will have the resources to bust everybody if the plants are everywhere.. congrats to the people of thailand,hopefulyy some positive changes can be made

[@NylonStrings83]

i was in Bangkok last month i was quite surprised to see it openly sold this is my 5th visit and they also changed the liquor sale hours which was quite surprising

[@monmixer]

When you throw all your tourist in jail for having fun they quit coming for sure. How stupid

[@lisamitchell1355]

I remember when the eastern states used to be the meth capital and now it’s Thailand, China, Mexico who controls the drug trade

[@danielleisabellabanyard9968]

Brilliant. I'm going back to Thailand.

[@kr-pm1xg]

Gotta like the Tavors... Israels answer to semi auto rifle.. Everyone should have one.

[@ajik88]

great episode! love mum!

[@tossawatcheng]

That price is too expensive you can find local for cheaper like 100usd for 1 Kg

[@tumblingworm737]

One night in Bankok makes a hard man humble. Not much between despair and ecstasy. 🎼🎵🎸🎹🎙🎶

[@manuelmarchetti7347]

100g is not a moderate amount, you could start a business with that

[@conecole6056]

I tried yaba once didn't sleep for 3 days

[@spidermight8054]

The new Amsterdam? Weed is totally LEGAL in many American states.

[@Krrrimmi]

"Brokedown Palace" led me here.

[@HULLGRAFFITI]

Crazy that the worst thing about a plant is getting caught with it...

[@jahjah7495]

Great video but 2.00 Aussie dollars a tablet (I wish it was) is not the real price, yaba tablets are sold at 7 to 10 baht in the Thai villages which is 42 to 30 Aussie cents less than a can of pop which makes yaba such a problem as it is so cheap.

[@StrobeFireStudios]

100 grams? Is he fucking serious? 2g's in england is £20

[@NickadeeSplit]

The funny thing is the people in power that these soldiers work for also traffic large amounts of yaba and meth. Don't be fooled and thinking that they do it for the public safety they're doing it to stamp out the competition

[@tumithabana5625]

Can anyone explain this to me, what part of hammer can detect drugs. Aren't there dogs in thailand

[@blacksabbathmatters3365]

Time to go to Thailand!! Woooohoooo!!

[@superdave1921]

I’m not sure which is worse, rubbing fat toes or going to prison.

[@LaCourierInCrysis]

That guy smoking a joint is gonna stay forever

[@ibrahimbenza6432]

I miss adek,roy@mary for the journey to fix them today,wat arun temple..i'll be looking for you along with the crown son taming sari again in naklua pattaya soon hopefully,take good care n love you,abg

[@kiloton1920]

Why does this feel like a Netflix crime show already just by looking at the thumbnail

[@dennisbarker5986]

I see my future in this video watching these people roll joints they need my help I should move to Thailand and start a joint rolling school

[@philipglancy8593]

4:20 "very high quarity" 😅

[@insanestuff9470]

Great job. Amazing Thailand

[@GrowingOrganicTvShow]

this kid needs to vap using a volcano vaporizer. joints bad for health

[@shawnryan2197]

The soldiers are carrying IWI Tavor bullpup rifles.

[@darthdennis6681]

🎶 Hello,Thailand! Here I come! 🎶

[@agostinorei8515]

Nice ❤

[@Hahah878]

This video is lit

[@valkeryblack212]

I agree with legalize cannabis for medical use only

[@peterthermocline]

That is wrong information. The Thai Government is still saying Medicinal Use Only!

[@user-eh5xr1mh6w]

Smoking is the one of medicinal use.

[@AKAFUBU1]

Wow where u come from ?

[@garybobst9107]

Thailand has to reconcile the tourist trade with thier 'Hellfire & Brimstone' brand of ultra-conservative Bhuddism. Not an easy task...

[@latishabrown6911]

THE DUDE COUGHING WAS HILARIOUS 😂

[@Hudd413]

"good quality" cough cough

[@boxinghogg2843]

Well done to massage parlour mother she has a heart of gold. It's sad how little media converge of severity of the instability from the war Rebels. And the victims of Thailand and Myanmar.

[@taipan8021]

You really can't see through that Front?

[@jaymatchen6574]

$30.71 CAD for a gram of top shelf...insane...I'd never pay more than $11.80 CAD here in Canada ($7.14 if purchased in bulk).

[@lousassoul7344]

its not canada....

[@jaymatchen6574]

@@lousassoul7344 im aware of that

[@creamydistortion]

A kilogram of weed in Thailand can be had for less than $200 (6,000 Thai baht)...

[@jaymatchen6574]

@@creamydistortion sure but what quality

[@jackcharlie9322]

welcome to real life you snobby Canadian

[@gayeinggs5179]

A good friend and a boy I had in my house for years was in Thailand in Kamala and he smoked cannabis then somebody gave him heroin and he died ! I don’t know what happened. To them

[@bittoochatterjee2661]

I feel saddened for these young girls. What wrong have they done 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@peterthermocline]

Smoking in the street is Jailable 🚫🚭 3 months and USD700 fine eqv

[@cornelisverhoef9282]

Officially yes. Best to be discreet about it.

[@graemebuchan1919]

Prostitution is also illegal in Thailand, never seen that on the street

[@ILUVBAKKUA]

so why is the thai gov REALLY trying to do? Are they actually trying to get yaba users to switch over and the tourism angle is just an excuse?

[@richardmichael1445]

And so the comedy continues....Amazing Thailand does it again... 🤣 off for a joint.

[@lissyflur1907]

Legalize it!

[@peternicholas3858]

The gov does not want to solve this drug problem because the gov itself is the MASTER DEALER! Too much money laundering going on and no incentive. And they don't want to legalize all drugs like Portugal did because it ends the gov's laundering of cash overnight and puts all dealers out of business! Your own gov is always the root of this problem.

[@angusmackaskill3035]

Tropical paradise but hard on drugs. Many other ways to have fun in Thailand

[@wasuptho]

Nobody coughing that much lol

[@jackcharlie9322]

yasssss can't fucking wait to go and smoke up

[@kencolvin8613]

I haven't coughed like that since I was 13

[@andyroo9806]

soft on crime means empowered drug dealers

[@MrBoliao98]

I am wondering how this will change the dynamics of the drug trade. Now that it is legalised, how is the government regulating and controlling; so as to keep out drug lords from turning Thailand into a Drug Transit Hub. It is ok to have drugs, it is not ok to have syndicates causing problems.

[@willsmith39]

Journeyman got pretty much everything wromg here. Marijuana isn't "now legal in Thailand" There's a bill pending to decriminalise certain aspects of its use - and that bill has actually been withdrawn. An amended bill may be reintroduced in November but it's unlikely anything will be resolved one way or the other until early next year

[@reedScheminske]

ahhh yes it is

[@quiveringmoist7558]

Doesn't matter the dispensaries are already open and as long as the boys in brown are paid off it'll continue until the bill passes.

[@davepowell7168]

Bribery

[@moskito5864]

and btw, since when Ganja ppl spending any money? Instead of having a couple of beer in a bar and chatting with the girls, they have a joint and a bananajuice which they hold on for hours 🤣🤣🤣

[@bongchong7748]

The joint they paid 600 baht for and the 4 beers you spent 250 baht on. Right okay you must be poor and on a retirement visa and jealous of the you digital nomads who don't drink fat farang juice and smoke weed instead

[@stalks1413]

NOW, I can finally go to Thailand.🙏🏻

[@creamydistortion]

Thailand is a good place to live... Smoke weed.

[@derduer]

well you manage to mix weed with strong drugs, war and misery. AGAIN!

[@kangfalconry2819]

Welcome To Thailand 🇹🇭

[@ballisticdan9135]

About the war on drugs....they lost.