Thai authorities warn travelers after cannabis smuggling arrests at Phuket airport

Thai authorities have urged travelers not to carry luggage or packages for other people after a series of cannabis smuggling arrests, including multiple recent cases at Phuket International Airport.

Officials said inspections have been intensified at major airports as authorities respond to a rise in attempts to smuggle cannabis out of Thailand. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said travelers, both domestic and international, should not accept bags or items from strangers for overseas transport.

Authorities said it is illegal to carry, conceal or accept payment to transport cannabis, cannabis flower or cannabis-containing products abroad, even though cannabis has been decriminalized inside Thailand for limited use. Export remains strictly regulated and prohibited without proper authorization.

Under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), violations can bring up to 10 years in prison, a fine equal to four times the value of the goods including duty, or both. Authorities also cited possible penalties under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act B.E. 2542 (1999) and the Ministry of Public Health notification on controlled herbs, which may add up to one year in prison and fines of up to 20,000 baht per offense.

The warning follows recent arrests at Phuket International Airport. In two days this week, authorities arrested a 21-year-old Belgian woman with about 31.7 kilograms of cannabis hidden in two suitcases and a 30-year-old Russian man with more than 17 kilograms of cannabis flower and resin. In another recent case, a Thai woman and a Filipino national were caught with more than 32 kilograms of cannabis buds.

Authorities said some suspects claimed they did not know the cannabis was in the luggage or said they were carrying a bag for a friend, but said that is not a legal defense.

Thai Customs reported seizing more than 37,000 kilograms of cannabis between October last year and June 2026. The source also said new penalties introduced in June include fines of 30,000 baht per kilogram on top of the risk of jail.

Officials warned that cannabis remains banned in many destination countries, where penalties for illegal importation can range from long prison terms to life imprisonment or, in some places, capital punishment.

Travelers were told to inspect their belongings carefully, refuse extra luggage or packages from others, and avoid transporting unknown items across borders. Authorities said suspicious activity or online recruitment attempts linked to cannabis smuggling should be reported through police hotlines 191 or 1599.