The Customs Department has enhanced its prevention and crackdown on "illegal cannabis exports and false claims of product origin," tightening prosecution standards, increasing penalties, blocking violations, and building confidence in Thai trade.
Mr. Panthong Loykulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, revealed that the Customs Department has escalated efforts to prevent and suppress illegal import and export of goods, focusing on blocking illegal cannabis exports and false claims of product origin to strengthen the country's image and build credibility and trust among international trading partners toward Thailand.
In fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 - May 2026), the Customs Department seized and arrested offenders in 2,983 cases involving illegal cannabis exports, totaling 35,011 kilograms worth over 445 million baht, with a continuing upward trend. Previously, the main measure was confiscating seized goods for the state, but offenders sometimes considered the risk cost low compared to potential profits, as cannabis prices in destination countries are very high. Therefore, Customs has increased penalties to be stricter and more decisive, imposing fines of 30,000 baht per kilogram of seized cannabis, with confiscation of goods for the state, effective from 17 June 2026 onwards.
Illegal cannabis exports not only violate the law but also harm Thailand's image, as many countries still regard cannabis as an illegal drug with severe penalties. These enhanced penalties aim to deter and reduce incentives for offenses, prevent Thailand from being used as a collection point or transit route for cannabis abroad, and raise international confidence in Thailand's prevention and control of illegal exports, helping to preserve the country's image and credibility on the world stage.
Mr. Panthong added that the Customs Department has also increased penalties for false declaration of product origin or falsely claiming products as made in Thailand for export. The fine is set at 500,000 baht, with immediate suspension of all customs benefits.
Such acts seriously damage Thailand's credibility in international trade and may lead to trade retaliation or stricter inspections of Thai goods by partner countries. Currently, many countries emphasize verifying product origin, especially amid global trade sensitivity to tariffs and trade barriers. False claims of product origin not only violate customs law but may harm honest Thai businesses and undermine international confidence in Thailand.
These updated penalties reflect the Customs Department's commitment to seriously preventing and suppressing customs violations, while maintaining international trade standards, ensuring fairness for lawful businesses, promoting exports, and strengthening confidence in Thailand's trade system and international reputation sustainably.
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