Little law-breaking uncovered at Full Moon party

[Nicke]

SURAT THANI, June 23 (TNA) -The infamous Full Moon parties on Thailand's southern Koh Pha-ngan contain little more than the smoking of marijuana, Justice Minister Suwat Liptapanlop has revealed.

The justice minister, who recently attended a Full Moon party on the island's Hat Rin Beach, admitted that tourists were discovered smoking the drug at the party, but said that this was because they may be 'unaware of Thai legislation'.

His comments come amid a storm of controversy over the parties, which some politicians have accused of being rife with sex and drugs.

Mr. Suwat said that officials would be increasingly strict in cracking down on drugs at the parties, and would carry out more thorough investigations.

He also revealed that community anti-drugs networks would be established on the nearby Koh Samui in Surat Thani Province, and that the system would be extended to the nation's other resort islands.

Despite allegations that the Full Moon parties violate Thai cultural mores, the Koh Pha-ngan tourism industry is anxious to maintain the parties, which bring in welcome tourist revenue.

According to Mr. Chanchoti Phiriyasathit, president of the Koh Pha-ngan Tourism Promotion Association, the rumours of the parties being rife with sex and drugs are untrue.

Telling reporters yesterday that most countries did not regard smoking marijuana as an offence, he said that signposts had been placed on the island warning tourists that they faced legal action if they smoked the drug. (TNA)