Thai Customs Seize Over 10 Tonnes of Cannabis at Suvarnabhumi Airport in First Ten Months of 2026

Key summary

Thai Customs officials announced on October 25 that they arrested 40 individuals and confiscated 577 kilogrammes of cannabis flowers valued at 5.8 million baht between October 1 and 24 at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The majority of the detained persons were foreign nationals attempting to export the substance without authorization, with Indian citizens comprising the largest group among those arrested, followed by nationals from China and the United Kingdom. Since the start of 2026 through October, customs operations have resulted in the arrest of 517 people and the seizure of 10,628 kilogrammes (over 10.6 tonnes) of cannabis flowers. In response to government directives aimed at stopping Thailand from serving as a transit hub for international drug trafficking, the Customs Department has intensified random checks on outbound luggage and passengers in collaboration with Airports of Thailand (AOT). The department clarified that while cannabis is permitted for medical use, exporting it requires specific authorization; unauthorized export carries a penalty of 30,000 baht per kilogramme. Officials have advised both Thai residents and foreign tourists to review applicable laws before traveling to ensure compliance with export restrictions.