Thailand Imposes Up to 10-Year Terms for Travelers Carrying Cannabis, Replacing Confiscation
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 17
Thailand Imposes Up to 10-Year Terms for Travelers Carrying Cannabis, Replacing Confiscation
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 17
Summary
June 17 marked Thailand’s shift from confiscating cannabis at the border to criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a nearly $15,000 fine, or both.
A July 9 U.S. Embassy alert said the risk applies even if cannabis is left in luggage accidentally, because Thailand still bans cross-border transport without proper permission despite decriminalizing use in 2022.
Dan Richards of Global Rescue said importing cannabis is illegal in all 220 countries and principalities his firm tracks, with penalties ranging from minor sanctions to prison in places such as Turkey and Egypt.
The warning extends beyond Thailand: the Netherlands allows domestic purchase and use, but taking cannabis across a border can be treated as trafficking.
U.S. officials and travel advisers urged travelers to inspect bags before departure and review State Department destination pages, noting other items such as a single bullet can also trigger arrests abroad.