Development model for the liberalization of marijuana in Thailand

Abstract

        The purposes of research were 1) study on contexts and problems in the implementation of marijuana liberalization policy in Thailand 2) Analysis of weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats for the development of marijuana liberalization in Thailand; and 3) Present, the development model for liberalization of marijuana in Thailand. This study is a qualitative research that using research tools are focus group discussion, documentary study and in-depth interview with 22 key informants. Obtained information checked with triangulation technique and analyzed by content analysis. The research results revealed that 1. For contexts and problem of marijuana liberalization policy in Thailand found that 1.1) The competency of agencies that implement the policy still lacks readiness. 1.2) Regarding the success of the policy, there was lack of clarity in the master plan and action plan for control and monitoring. 1.3) As for the cooperation and resistance to changes, The government agencies must clearly communicate knowledge to stakeholders. 1.4) Concerning of power and relations with other relevant organization, it was found to be on overly interactive political environments.1.5) For the support and engagement of important organizations or individuals in the policy implementation process, that there was a lack of support and integration of relevant government agencies. 2. For weaknessses, strengths, opportunities and threats for development of marijuana liberalization in Thailand, found that using strengths to create opportunities are centralization, and the setting up policies and guidelines in the same directions. In addition, strengths are also used for avoiding the threats, which support the budget and communicate knowledge thoroughly. There is also the decrease of weaknesses for increasing opportunities, which is the availability of one-stop service center to cut steps and documents needed for permission. Finally, the minimizing weaknesses for avoiding the threats is the governmental creates transparency, equality, and clear control laws. 3. Development model for the liberalization of marijuana in Thailand, by using PASEP model that comprises of 3.1) The objective of policy, that should cover medical purpose, economic and recreational for specific areas (Sand box). 3.2) Tasks and assignments, the central agency must be established to communicate and clarify the same information. 3.3) Operation standard, have been improved the standards and guidelines to be the same format (platform). 3.4) In term of evaluation, there are measurements, assessments, reviews, improvements and corrections. Communicate results to stakeholders. 3.5) For punishment, ligislation is issued to control, perform communicate all punishment, Aiming to decriminalization.