Pot tours not welcomed in Pai
Saksit Meesubkwang
Col. Nopporn Ruenchan, Commander of the 7th Infantry Regiment Taskforce in Mae Hong Son met with Pai tour guides to warn them not to provide “drug tours” to visiting foreigners.
Tourists visiting the scenic town of Pai have apparently been requesting more than just an average tour of hilltribe villages.
According to the Office of the Narcotic Control Board visitors have been touring the hilltribe villages for the purpose of purchasing and consuming marijuana which has proliferated in the area.
Last week the Commander and his troops discovered a 1200 plant marijuana plantation in Ban Wai village. The troops chopped down the illegal crop and then burned the 1400 kilo seizure.
Pai police officers have noticed that tourists have been returning from these “pot tours” carrying stashes but the source of the marijuana was difficult to confirm.
As police investigations surfaced it was quickly determined that marijuana was being grown in several villages hidden amongst the farmers vegetable and rice fields.
Meanwhile the Commander warned all Pai tour guides to present only positive attractions such as the natural beauty and hilltribe life styles instead of introducing them to drug activities. “Drug tours are not a sustainable program when compared with natural attractions,” said Col. Nopporn.
Chiang Mai Mail



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