The Royal Thai Police warn travelers that “smuggling cannabis violates both Thai and international laws,” even though cannabis has been partially legalized for medical use within Thailand.
On 6 July 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaturaphat Piromkaew, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division and Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, revealed three cases involving the illegal export of cannabis from Thailand. These include reports of Hong Kong customs seizing about 23 kilograms of dried cannabis and arresting two suspects, a Chinese national and a Hong Kong resident, arriving from Thailand; Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN) dismantling a cannabis smuggling network and tracking suspects from Malaysia and China, confiscating 3.37 tons of high-quality cannabis from Thailand; and Poland seizing 1.2 tons of cannabis hidden in laterite bricks inside a shipping container exported from Thailand, arresting eight suspects.
In light of these cases, the Royal Thai Police wish to warn and inform the public, including Thai and foreign tourists, that carrying, smuggling, or transporting cannabis, cannabis buds, or products containing cannabis components out of Thailand is illegal. The police emphasize that despite some domestic medical exemptions, strict control remains on exporting cannabis, which is a serious offense in many destination countries. To clarify legal matters, the Royal Thai Police outline the relevant laws as follows.
1. Offenses under the Customs Act B.E. 2560, with maximum penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to four times the value of the goods (including duties), or both.
2. Offenses under the Traditional Thai Medical Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act B.E. 2542, punishable by up to one year imprisonment, a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both.
3. Offenses under the Ministry of Public Health’s Controlled Herbal Substance (Cannabis) Announcement B.E. 2568, punishable by up to one year imprisonment, a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both.
4. Laws of destination countries (international): Cannabis remains classified as a Category 1 narcotic in many countries worldwide and neighboring nations. Illegal importation is punishable under those countries’ laws, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
The Royal Thai Police are concerned for public safety and therefore issue caution and advice to prevent involvement with international cannabis smuggling networks:
1. Do not accept items from others: Do not accept luggage or items from strangers or acquaintances to carry abroad. If illegal items are found, you will be liable as the possessor and for smuggling offenses.
2. Thoroughly check your belongings: Inspect your luggage carefully to ensure it does not contain cannabis products (such as inhalants, tea, snacks, or certain cosmetics) before traveling abroad.
3. Do not transport goods across borders for others: Under no circumstances should anyone accept jobs as a “courier” to carry items or luggage abroad for others. This is for public safety, as it is impossible to be certain what is concealed within the baggage or who is behind the operation. Transnational crime networks may target, deceive, threaten, or harm individuals to protect their illegal activities.
Public cooperation is vital for preventing and combating crime. If you witness suspicious behavior, abnormalities, or persons suspected of smuggling cannabis abroad or recruiting through online channels, please report tips at hotlines 191 and 1599, available 24 hours a day.
The Royal Thai Police are committed to thoroughly investigating all leads and will keep informants’ identities strictly confidential to dismantle networks involved in illegal exports.