Cannabis News

Bangkok ranks 8th globally in 2026 tourism city attractiveness index

Bangkok ranks eighth in the 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index, reflecting strong positive visitor sentiment and beating major cities like Okinawa and Chicago.

• •Bangkok is ranked 8th worldwide in the 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index
• •The ranking is based on traveller sentiment and social media discussions across 14 languages

by Bangkok ranks 8th in 2026 global tourism city attractiveness index

People’s Party Criticizes DSI for Naming Phuket MP in Ongoing Probe

The People’s Party criticized the DSI for publicly naming Phuket MP Somchat Techathaworncharoen in a nominee investigation before any formal charges, raising concerns about due process and reputational harm

• •People’s Party questioned the DSI's decision to name Phuket MP Somchat Techathaworncharoen before charges were filed
• •Somchat is linked to more than 28 companies allegedly involved in nominee arrangements for foreign property ownership
• •The DSI is preparing to summon Somchat regarding company transactions and a law office establishment

by People’s Party questions naming of MP in nominee probe

KSHN Launches Smoke-Free THC Pouch as Cannabis Adopts Familiar Oral Format

KSHN has launched a smoke-free THC pouch designed for discreet, rapid cannabis consumption, offering an alternative to edibles and smoking by delivering 10mg of THC through the lining of the mouth

• •KSHN introduced a smoke-free THC pouch delivering 10mg of cannabis-derived THC through oral absorption
• •The pouch uses plant-based cellulose, is sugar-free, zero-calorie, vegan, and gluten-free
• •Effects from the pouch can begin within 10–30 minutes, faster than traditional edibles
• •KSHN was founded in Michigan and is expanding to new states, including New York

by Weedmaps News

Study Shows THC Beverages Cut Alcohol Use in Half as New Ban Looms

A major new study finds that people who consume THC beverages cut their alcohol use by about half, but upcoming federal regulations threaten to ban all tested products from the market

• •Participants who drank THC beverages were about half as likely to consume alcohol on the same day
• •The study tracked 4,516 people across 36 products and 23 brands, with THC doses from 1 to 10 milligrams
• •Two-thirds of participants reported drinking less alcohol, and 56% said THC drinks were a regular replacement
• •Section 781 of Public Law 119-37 will ban any product with more than 0.4mg THC per container starting November 12

by Exclusive: New Study Finds People Drinking THC Beverages Reached for Alcohol Half as Often. Every Product Tested Is About to Be Banned.

US Federal Conservation Funds Exclude Cannabis Growers Despite Regenerative Boom

US federal conservation funding continues to exclude state-licensed marijuana growers, leaving cannabis farmers reliant on third-party certification even as regenerative agriculture gains momentum nationwide

• •President Trump signed an executive order expanding federal conservation programs for regenerative agriculture
• •State-licensed marijuana growers remain ineligible for federal conservation funds and USDA organic certification
• •Hemp producers are eligible for federal support due to the 2018 Farm Bill
• •Third-party certifiers like Sun & Earth provide regenerative certification for cannabis farms

by Trump Signed an Order Paying Farmers to Heal Their Soil. Weed Growers Get Nothing.

Phuket Authorities Probe Israeli-Owned Businesses for Discrimination and Nominee Violations

Phuket authorities are investigating Israeli-owned businesses for alleged refusal to serve Thai customers and possible use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign

• •Phuket officials are investigating Israeli-owned businesses accused of refusing service to Thai customers
• •Inspections target both discriminatory practices and use of Thai nominees to hide foreign ownership

by Israeli businesses on Phuket in crosshairs

Samui Zoo Incident Highlights Local Response to Visitor Conflicts

An Israeli family was denied entry to Samui Exotic Park due to nationality, sparking controversy and threats against the zoo owner.

• •Israeli family with children denied entry to Samui Exotic Park citing nationality reasons
• •Zoo owner reported threats including a 500,000 baht bounty linked to the dispute

Deputy Interior Minister Polapi Suwannachavi Engages with Samui Community

Deputy Interior Minister Polapi Suwannachavi answered questions from journalists during a live broadcast on Koh Samui, discussing local issues and government initiatives affecting the island community

• •Deputy Interior Minister Polapi Suwannachavi conducted a live Q&A session on Koh Samui
• •The session addressed local concerns and government initiatives

French Family Spends Night at Sea Near Chaweng Beach on Jet Ski

A French tourist and his two sons spent a night stranded at sea near Chaweng Beach after a jet ski outing went longer than planned. Rescued the next morning, they were exhausted but safe.

• •French tourist Brahim Terki and his two sons went missing on a jet ski near Chaweng Beach on August 13
• •They were found the next morning, exhausted but alive, thanks to life jackets
• •Local authorities are considering stricter controls on jet ski rentals, including evening restrictions

Restaurants on Koh Samui Face Unexpected Inspections This Weekend

Expect some favorite restaurants on Koh Samui to be closed this weekend due to surprise inspections focused on visa and regulatory compliance. Local businesses are preparing for increased scrutiny from officials visiting from Bangkok

• •Bangkok officials are conducting surprise visa and regulatory inspections on Koh Samui
• •Local shopping centers and police have warned landlords and legal professionals
• •Restaurants and retailers are preparing for increased scrutiny and possible closures

Vinyl House and Tech House Night at Grow Rooftop Bar This Friday

On Friday, August 14, head to Grow Brunch&Brew rooftop in Fisherman’s Village for an exclusive vinyl night with DJ Ivan Starzev playing house and tech house from his new German collection.

• •Event on Friday, August 14, at Grow Rooftop Bar, Fisherman’s Village, Koh Samui
• •DJ Ivan Starzev will play house and tech house music exclusively on vinyl
• •Doors open at 8 PM, DJ set starts at 9 PM, billiards are free to play
• •Enjoy cocktails and rooftop views of Fisherman’s Village during the evening

Phuket Lion Café Inspected After Tourist Bitten by Cub

Phuket’s Tourist Assistance Centre inspected a lion café after a Chinese tourist was bitten by a cub, prompting renewed calls for safety at animal-themed attractions

• •Phuket’s Tourist Assistance Centre inspected a lion café after a tourist was bitten
• •The incident involved a Chinese visitor and a lion cub named Caesar during Chinese New Year

by Lion café probed over bitten tourist

Bangkok International Children's Theatre Festival Returns for 10th Anniversary

The Bangkok International Children's Theatre Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary from August 21-30 with performances and workshops featuring artists from nine countries.

• •Festival runs August 21-30, marking its 10th anniversary
• •Features artists from nine countries with 11 performances

by International Children's Theatre Festival celebrates 10 years with 11 Bangkok shows

Curaleaf Launches Hostile Bid for Aurora Cannabis, Shareholders to Decide Fate

Curaleaf has made a direct acquisition offer to Aurora Cannabis shareholders, prompting the Canadian firm to form a special committee as both companies debate the value and future of the proposed merger

• •Curaleaf made an unsolicited bid to acquire Aurora Cannabis, offering US$4.00 per share plus US$0.75 cash
• •Aurora formed a special committee to review the proposal and urged shareholders not to act yet

by Bev Kreklau

Weekly Beat Boat Party from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

Every Sunday, join the Beat Boat from Bangrak Pier on Koh Samui to Haad Yuan beach, Koh Phangan. Enjoy a DJ, club sound system, snacks, drinks, and paddle boards on this lively afternoon trip

• •Weekly Beat Boat trip departs Sundays at 3 PM from Bangrak Pier, Koh Samui
• •Trip goes to Haad Yuan beach on Koh Phangan with onboard DJ and club-grade sound system
• •Complimentary water, soft drinks, fruits, and snacks are provided
• •Paddle boards available for guests to enjoy water activities during the trip

Explore Thailand's Stunning Islands Around Koh Samui in 2026

Thailand has around 300 islands, from major hubs like Koh Samui to tiny paradises like Koh Lipe. For 2026, must-visit spots include Koh Chang’s jungles, Koh Samui’s diving islands, and the 'Maldives of Thailand' at Koh Lipe

• •Thailand has about 300 islands ranging from developed to remote
• •Koh Chang area offers jungles and quiet beaches, with Koh Kood known as 'Thai Bounty'
• •Islands near Koh Samui like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are great for diving and snorkeling

Israeli Visitor Questioned Over Threats to Samui Business Owner

An Israeli man was detained on Koh Samui for threatening a local business owner, leading to police questioning and a mediation meeting to settle the dispute

• •An Israeli visitor was detained on Koh Samui for threatening a local business owner
• •Police conducted questioning and opened a criminal case regarding the threats
• •Authorities arranged a meeting between the parties to settle the matter

Rick Ross Rejects Dispensary Cannabis, Champions Black Market Quality

Rick Ross has publicly rejected dispensary cannabis, declaring his loyalty to underground growers and emphasizing the importance of quality, independence, and personal control in his cannabis experience

• •Rick Ross stated he rejects dispensary cannabis in favor of underground and black market growers
• •He emphasized the importance of personal control and independence in cannabis use
• •Ross argued that dispensaries are limited by regulations and cannot match the quality of underground products

by Rick Ross Doesn’t Want Dispensary Weed

Global House Music Event at SEEN Beach Club on August 8

SEEN Beach Club on Koh Samui hosts Defected, a global house music event on August 8 from 2 PM featuring top DJs including BBC Radio 1's Danny Howard. Enjoy beats, beach vibes, and great company

• •Event at SEEN Beach Club on Koh Samui on Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 14:00
• •Featuring international DJs like Andy Vier, Taro Pick, Tony S, Nvara & Subud, OFFAIAH, and Danny Howard from BBC Radio 1
• •Combines beachfront setting with a lively house music atmosphere

Phuket Prepares for Challenging Phuket Trail 2026 in September

Phuket is preparing for the Phuket Trail 2026 on September 12-13, part of the Southern Thailand Trail Series.

• •Phuket Trail 2026 takes place September 12-13 near Bang Nieu Dam in Srisunthorn
• •Event features multiple distances from 7 km Fun Trail to 100 km ultra runs

Resort Destinations Outpace Bangkok in Hotel Revenue Growth for 2026

Asset World Corporation’s hotel business saw a 12% revenue rise in Q1 2026, driven by strong growth in resort destinations like Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, while Bangkok hotels faced slight declines

• •AWC's hotel revenue increased 12% in Q1 2026, with net profit reaching a record 1.99 billion baht
• •Resort destinations outside Bangkok, especially Chiang Mai, showed strong growth in occupancy and revenue
• •Luxury resorts achieved 85% occupancy and a record RevPAR of 22,609 baht, up 5% from last year