BANGKOK: Thailand’s Customs Department reported on October 24, 2026, that 40 departing passengers had been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport between October 1 and 24 on suspicion of attempting to smuggle cannabis flowers out of the country. Customs seized more than 577 kilogrammes of cannabis flowers, valued at 5.8 million baht (US$171,620), during the 24-day period.
The Customs Department is working with Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) to prevent unauthorised cannabis flower exports by departing passengers at Suvarnabhumi.
Thai Customs crackdown nets over 577kg of cannabis Oct 1–24
Customs reports 517 arrests since January
The Customs Department’s October 24 statement recorded a cumulative total of 517 arrests and seizures of 10,628 kilogrammes of cannabis flowers since January 2026.
Customs reported that almost all 40 passengers arrested during October 1–24 were foreign nationals. The three largest nationality groups in the arrest figures were:
- Indian nationals: 11 people.
- Chinese nationals: Seven people.
- British nationals: Five people.
Customs also reported arrests involving Canadian, Spanish and Portuguese nationals during October 1–24, alongside people of other nationalities from Europe and the Americas.
Anutin orders tighter checks on illegal exports
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called for stricter checks on illegal exports after chairing the Narcotics Control Board’s third meeting of 2026 on October 22, according to the Customs statement. Anutin instructed the Customs director-general to verify the types of goods being exported and conduct random inspections.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas also instructed Customs to coordinate with law enforcement agencies and tighten import and export controls. The policy aims to prevent smuggling and strengthen public confidence in enforcement.
Customs Director-General Phantong Loykulnanta subsequently instructed all units within the department to work with relevant agencies and other partners to intercept unauthorised cannabis flower exports.
The Customs Department reported that continued smuggling attempts had prompted tighter surveillance, baggage inspections and passenger risk assessments.
Customs also reaffirmed its commitment to proactive enforcement against illegal imports and exports, with the aim of preventing Thailand from becoming a hub or transit route for international drug smuggling, protecting the public and safeguarding the country’s reputation.
Customs reiterates medical-use restrictions and export penalties
The Customs Department reiterated that cannabis flowers are permitted only for medical use, subject to the conditions prescribed by law.
Customs warned residents and tourists that taking cannabis flowers out of Thailand without authorisation is an offence, citing a fine rate of 30,000 baht per kilogramme under its penalty criteria. - The Nation/ANN
