The government warns travelers that carrying or accepting items from others to take abroad may make them victims of international cannabis smuggling rings. In Thailand, the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison, while some countries impose life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
On 12 July 2026, Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that regarding cases of cannabis being smuggled out of Thailand, the government is not complacent. It has ordered relevant agencies to tighten and thoroughly inspect. She emphasized a warning to the public and tourists, both Thai and foreign, that carrying, smuggling, or being hired to take cannabis, cannabis buds, or cannabis-containing products out of the Kingdom is illegal. Although cannabis has been partially decriminalized for medical use within Thailand, exporting it remains strictly controlled and is considered a serious crime in many destination countries.
Those who carry, smuggle, or accept hire to take cannabis, cannabis buds, or cannabis-containing products out of the Kingdom violate relevant laws as follows:
1. Offense under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, or a fine up to four times the value of the goods (including duties), or both.
2. Offense under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medical Wisdom Act B.E. 2542 (1999), punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment, or a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both.
3. Offense under the Ministry of Public Health’s Controlled Herbal Substance Announcement (Cannabis) B.E. 2568 (2025), punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment, or 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. Smuggling carries penalties under those countries’ laws ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty.
The government is concerned for the public’s safety and to prevent involvement in international cannabis trafficking rings. It prohibits accepting items from others and urges thorough inspection of one’s luggage to ensure no cannabis-containing products are present. Importantly, carrying items across borders is strictly forbidden for safety reasons, as it is impossible to know if contraband is hidden inside. The government requests public cooperation to help prevent and suppress transnational crime. If suspicious behavior, abnormalities, or persons involved in smuggling cannabis abroad or soliciting via online channels are observed, information can be reported at any time via hotlines 191 and 1599.
