Thailand imposes up to 10‑year prison for cannabis in airport luggage

Effective from June, Thailand has tightened its drug‑trafficking rules at airports. Anyone caught transporting cannabis without official permission faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 baht (about US$15,000). The penalty applies to tourists, foreign residents, Thai citizens and transit passengers, with no exemptions for small quantities, personal use or medical prescriptions.

The new regulation follows a rise in attempted cannabis smuggling on international flights. Authorities now use X‑ray scanners, canine units and coordinated customs‑immigration checks to seize the substance and open criminal proceedings. While Thailand decriminalised domestic possession of cannabis in 2022, the law makes clear that cross‑border transport remains illegal. Embassies, including the United States, have warned travelers to verify local regulations before flying.