Suvarnabhumi Airport officials arrest two for concealing US$ 1.7 million in luggage

Two foreign passengers were arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok after customs officers discovered more than 56 million baht (approximately US$ 1.7 million) in US dollar banknotes concealed within their luggage. The individuals, who arrived from Jakarta on September 30, are suspected of failing to comply with exchange control regulations and ministerial laws governing the movement of currency into and out of Thailand.

The arrests follow a directive from Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to tighten inspections of foreign and Thai currencies to prevent smuggling and international money laundering. Customs officials have increased surveillance and interception efforts, particularly targeting high-risk passengers and concealed cash in luggage, as part of a broader effort to strengthen monitoring of cross-border financial movements.