The Customs Department Director proposes stricter screening measures for outbound passengers and crew members, aiming to use technology to help scan for drugs. He acknowledged that 100% screening is not feasible, fearing it would affect tourists.
At 13:15 on 3 July 2026 at the Government House, Phanthong Loykulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, said in an interview before attending the 2nd meeting of the Narcotics Control Committee that he would propose stricter measures to screen outbound passengers. The department recently received K9 dogs from Australia last year, currently operating two with three more in training.
When asked if new technology would be introduced after an air hostess was arrested, the Customs Director said X-ray screening must be used. However, with 85 million travelers and Thailand being a top tourist destination, poor risk management and screening everyone would burden tourists and create a negative travel experience. Previously, K9 dogs were not used to screen outbound passengers.
Phanthong added that last year Thailand seized large amounts of drugs, such as 200 kilograms of heroin and 300 kilograms of crystal meth, though these were not widely reported since seizures did not involve crew members. He confirmed ongoing arrests primarily focus on inspecting cargo and inbound passengers using K9 dogs and technology. As screening tightens, traffickers may shift to lower-risk groups like passengers and crew.
When asked about tightening screening of flight crew, Phanthong said this issue requires discussion but admitted it will not be like before. In the past, crew were considered low risk and were not screened for drugs because those hired underwent criminal background checks.
Phanthong said solving this problem requires cooperation among many agencies including Airports of Thailand (AOT), the Customs Department, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Talks have been ongoing, and stricter outbound passenger screening is needed since focus has mainly been on inbound passengers. When asked if he would share concerns with the Prime Minister, the Customs Director said the Prime Minister would likely issue directives after the meeting.