Clampdown on getting pie-eyed in Pai

The small mountain village of Pai in Mae Hong Son province in northern Thailand has been quietly gathering steam as a must-see town on the tourist trail through the mountainous north. It’s relative isolation and thus loose law enforcement has made it a popular spot for those who burn the herb; both tourists and locals alike. Its reputation has grown to a bit of a notorious status as the place to go to score some chiba.

While guided tours and hikes through hilltribe villages are common enough in northern Thailand, this particular area is thought to provide visitors with a little bit more local produce than local authorities would like them to leave the locality with.

Last week the long arm of the law managed to cut down the long stems of 1200 marijuana plants on a grow field in the village of Ban Wai near the newly crowned cash cow of touristy Pai. The plants weighed in at around 1400 kilos and were promptly burned by police upon seizure.

The example has thus been set, and set firmly; for surely there is a proliferation of pot fields in the area to keep the dreadlocked and the perpetually hungry people happy and high, chuckling weakly with droopy eyes and sloppy grins.