Two arrests in two days at Phuket International Airport highlight a legal reality many foreign buyers and expats still misunderstand: cannabis may be decriminalised inside Thailand, but exporting it carries up to ten years in prison.
In the most recent incidents this week, Thai customs arrested a 21-year-old Belgian woman with approximately 31.7 kilograms of cannabis hidden in two suitcases, and a 30-year-old Russian man with more than 17 kilograms of cannabis flower and resin. Both were detained at Phuket’s airport. Another recent case involved a Thai woman and a Filipino national caught with over 32 kilograms.
The arrests are part of a broader enforcement surge. Between October last year and June 2026, Thai Customs reported seizing over 37,000 kilograms of cannabis at airports across the country.
Why the crackdown matters now
Thailand decriminalised cannabis for domestic medical use in 2022, creating widespread confusion about what remains illegal. The answer: export is strictly prohibited, and the penalties are severe.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan confirmed that officials have been directed to ramp up inspections at major airports following a sharp rise in smuggling attempts. The government has issued a strong advisory urging travelers not to carry or accept luggage or packages from strangers.
Under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), violations can result in up to ten years’ imprisonment, a fine equivalent to four times the value of the goods including duty, or both. Additional penalties under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act and Ministry of Public Health notifications may include up to one year in prison and fines of up to 20,000 baht per offense.
New penalties introduced in June 2026 also impose fines of 30,000 baht per kilogram on top of the existing jail term.
The Phuket airport context
Phuket International Airport has become a focal point in the crackdown. The island’s large expat and long-stay visitor population, combined with its status as a major international hub, makes it a high-risk departure point for smuggling attempts.
For property buyers, expats and long-stay residents in Phuket, the arrests serve as a clear warning. Many foreigners living in Thailand assume decriminalisation means cannabis is treated like alcohol or tobacco. It is not.
While domestic use is permitted under strict conditions, any attempt to transport cannabis flower, resin or cannabis-containing products out of Thailand is illegal. The law applies regardless of whether the traveler understood the contents of their luggage.
Some of those arrested at Phuket airport claimed they did not know the cannabis was in their bags, or said they were only transporting a suitcase for a friend. Thai authorities have made clear this is not a legal defense.
International pressure and enforcement trends
The crackdown is also driven by pressure from international partners. The UK’s National Crime Agency reported a dramatic increase in cannabis couriers arriving from Thailand, with hundreds arrested in recent years.
Japanese authorities have seized significant quantities of cannabis linked to flights from Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Chiang Mai airports, prompting closer scrutiny of Thailand as a source country.
The Thai government has stressed that cannabis remains banned in many destination countries, where penalties for illegal importation can range from lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment or even capital punishment in some jurisdictions.
What expats and property buyers should understand
For foreigners with property in Phuket or those considering long-stay arrangements, the enforcement trend has practical implications.
First, the legal environment around cannabis in Thailand remains unstable. While domestic decriminalisation is in place, the government is tightening export controls and considering further restrictions. The 2022 decriminalisation is described by officials as an experiment, and policy could shift further.
Second, the risk of unknowingly becoming involved in smuggling is real. Thai authorities advise travelers to thoroughly inspect their own belongings, firmly refuse any packages or extra luggage from others, and never transport unknown items across borders.
Third, the penalties are severe enough to affect residency, visa status and long-term plans in Thailand. A conviction under the Customs Act carries a maximum ten-year sentence.
Suspicious activity or online recruitment attempts related to cannabis smuggling should be reported immediately via police hotlines 191 or 1599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis legal in Thailand?
Cannabis is decriminalised for limited medical use within Thailand, but exporting it remains strictly prohibited. Violations can result in up to ten years’ imprisonment, fines equivalent to four times the value of the goods, or both. The legal framework is complex and subject to change.
What penalties do cannabis smugglers face at Phuket airport?
Under the Customs Act, penalties include up to ten years in prison, fines of four times the goods’ value including duty, or both. Additional fines of 30,000 baht per kilogram were introduced in June 2026. Further penalties under public health laws may add up to one year in prison and 20,000 baht per offense.
Can I claim I didn’t know the cannabis was in my bag?
No. Thai authorities have made clear that not knowing the contents of your luggage is not a legal defense. Several recent arrests at Phuket airport involved travelers who claimed ignorance. All were charged.
How much cannabis has been seized at Thai airports recently?
Between October 2025 and June 2026, Thai Customs reported seizing over 37,000 kilograms of cannabis at airports across Thailand. The surge in seizures has prompted the government to intensify inspections and issue public warnings.
Should expats and property buyers in Phuket be concerned?
Yes, in the sense that the legal environment around cannabis remains unstable and export enforcement is intensifying. For expats and long-stay visitors, the risk of unknowingly becoming involved in smuggling is real. Thai authorities strongly advise refusing any packages or luggage from others and thoroughly inspecting your own belongings before travel.
Sources
- The Phuket Express — Thailand Issues Urgent Warning to Travelers: Avoid Cannabis Smuggling Risks Amid Surge in Airport Arrests — link
