The Bullet: The Convenience of Blanket Policies — How Thailand’s One-Size-Fits-All Approach Falls Short

Thailand, like many countries, has a tendency to rely on blanket policies as a way to address complex issues. However, these policies often fail to effectively address the root causes of the problems they aim to solve and can create unintended consequences.

When a government introduces a blanket policy, it can create confusion for the public when new regulations are introduced months later. This is particularly true when it comes to the legalization of marijuana in Thailand.

In June 2022, Thailand passed a law allowing for the cultivation and use of marijuana in food and drinks and removed it from its list of banned narcotics. However, lawmakers failed to come to an agreement on how to regulate and control the new, thriving industry. This led to a surge in marijuana-based businesses, resulting in substantial profits for companies.

However, in November the same year, the government issued a new directive that went into effect, banning the recreational use of marijuana inside business premises. Additionally, flower buds (the actual marijuana you smoke) are now classified as controlled substances with restrictions, and the sale of marijuana is no longer permitted through vending machines or online, in public parks, amusement parks, places of worship, or hostels.

This change in regulations has created confusion for the public and businesses. Businesses that were thriving under the original legalization may now be forced to close or change their operations. Consumers may also be confused about where they can purchase or consume marijuana products. Furthermore, it can also create a sense of uncertainty among investors and entrepreneurs who are — or were — considering investing in this industry.

Other examples include:

1. Visa restrictions: In the past, the Thai government has implemented blanket visa restrictions on certain groups of people, such as Chinese tourists and migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. These policies were implemented as a way to manage the influx of foreigners into the country and to address issues related to national security, but have had a significant impact on the country’s tourism industry, which is a major source of revenue for the country.
2. Internet censorship: The Thai government has implemented a number of blanket policies aimed at censoring the internet, including blocking access to certain websites and social media platforms. The government has also enforced regulations requiring internet service providers to monitor and report online activity. While internet censorship may arguably be for the greater good, it’s like trying to fix a leaky faucet with a sledgehammer — it may seem like a quick fix, but in the long run, it causes more harm than good.
3. Environmental policies: The Thai government has implemented a number of blanket policies aimed at addressing environmental issues, such as the prohibition of plastic bags and the promotion of renewable energy. However, these policies have often failed to effectively address the root causes of environmental problems and have resulted in unintended consequences. For example, many retailers and food vendors have had to switch to alternatives such as biodegradable bags or reusable containers — which cost more resources to make.
4. Drug laws: Picture a country where one misstep with drugs can lead to a death sentence. That’s the harsh reality in Thailand, where strict drug policies have been implemented to combat trafficking and abuse. But at what cost?

Sure, the government may argue that these measures are necessary to stamp out drug-related problems. But let’s not forget that the death penalty is not a magic wand that can solve complex issues. It’s a blunt instrument that fails to address the root causes of the problem, such as poverty and lack of education, and instead leads to unintended consequences on human rights, the criminal justice system, public health, and the economy.

Thailand’s reliance on blanket policies as a means of addressing societal issues is a prevalent practice that has become an easy solution for government officials. This approach conveniently absolves them from having to deal with complex logistical issues and nuanced moral debates. However, this convenience comes at a cost, as these policies tend to fail to effectively address the root causes of the issues they aim to solve and can also result in unintended consequences.

In order to improve the policymaking process and ensure that policies are more effective in addressing the issues, government officials in Thailand should adopt a more nuanced and targeted approach. This approach would involve a comprehensive analysis of the specific problem at hand, taking into account the various contributing factors. By doing so, government officials can devise policies that are tailored to address the root causes of the problem, rather than simply addressing its symptoms. This approach may be challenging, but it leads to more effective policies and ultimately a better outcome for society as a whole.

All opinions expressed in this piece are the writer’s own and do not represent the views of KrASIA. Questions, concerns, or fun facts can be sent to [email protected]