What in the World

Why is Thailand making cannabis illegal again? (And what's Coldplay got to do with it?)


Listen Later

Thailand became the first Asian country to make cannabis legal back in June 2022. They are one of the very few nations in the world to let people use the drug recreationally. Farmers switched from wheat to weed and cannabis cafes have popped up all over the country.

However, before even reaching the two-year mark, the Thai government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s populist Pheu Thai party, looks set to reverse the decision and outlaw the drug.

BBC Thai reporter Tossapol Chaisamritpol explains how the public are feeling about the government’s direction, how it will impact the cannabis business and how the drug is being used in Thai cuisine, including tom kha gai and tom yum soup.

The Netherlands is also reconsidering its relationship with the drug. The popular tourist destination city Amsterdam has long been known for its red light district and cannabis hotspots, despite the fact that the drug is technically illegal in the European country. After complaints from residents about rowdy visitors ruining their home town, the local government has placed restrictions on cannabis and other red light district related activities, including a ‘Stay Away’ campaign targeted at certain tourists.

The BBC’s correspondent in the Netherlands, Anna Holligan, tells us about how life is changing in Amsterdam.

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Alex Rhodes and Adam Chowdhury
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

What in the WorldBy BBC World Service

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

11 ratings


More shows like What in the World

View all
The Documentary Podcast by BBC World Service

The Documentary Podcast

1,853 Listeners

Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

Global News Podcast

7,819 Listeners

Business Daily by BBC World Service

Business Daily

532 Listeners

Discovery by BBC World Service

Discovery

954 Listeners

World Business Report by BBC World Service

World Business Report

309 Listeners

Newshour by BBC World Service

Newshour

1,061 Listeners

Business Matters by BBC World Service

Business Matters

49 Listeners

Tech Life by BBC World Service

Tech Life

55 Listeners

The Conversation by BBC World Service

The Conversation

73 Listeners

The Inquiry by BBC World Service

The Inquiry

751 Listeners

CrowdScience by BBC World Service

CrowdScience

474 Listeners

People Fixing the World by BBC World Service

People Fixing the World

242 Listeners

Learning English from the News by BBC Radio

Learning English from the News

251 Listeners

The Explanation by BBC World Service

The Explanation

26 Listeners

The Global Story by BBC World Service

The Global Story

178 Listeners