Customs fines cannabis smugglers 30,000 baht per kilo

Thailand's Customs Department introduced a fine of 30,000 baht for every kilogram of cannabis seized from people trying to export it illegally, effective 17 June 2026. The cannabis is also forfeited to the state.

Why now

Customs recorded 2,983 cannabis smuggling cases between October 2025 and May 2026, seizing more than 35,000 kg worth an estimated 445 million baht. By the end of June the totals had passed 37,000 kg across 3,309 cases, and about 65% of those cases involved shipments headed for the United Kingdom.

Officials say smuggling damages Thailand's reputation, because cannabis is still a serious narcotic offence in most of the countries it is sent to.

The full penalty picture

The new per-kilo fine sits on top of existing law. The government has reminded travellers that smuggling cannabis out of Thailand can bring up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods, or both. Penalties in the destination country can be far heavier.

What this means for you

• Never take cannabis out of Thailand, in any amount, even with a Thai PT33 prescription.
• Never bring cannabis in, even with a prescription from your home country.
• Do not carry bags or parcels for anyone else. Police say smugglers often recruit travellers this way.