By Chiara Sanfilippo, Fundraising Assistant

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Over the last year, there has been a rise in the number of British nationals being arrested for drugs-related offences overseas. 

We have noticed over the last few months that cases in Thailand or where the individual has previously transited through Thailand are particularly high; last year it was the country with the fourth highest number of people we are supporting and drugs offences across the board are up 57% on the previous year.

Most of these arrests are at Bangkok and Phuket airports, but following the rising number of interceptions, the routes appear to be evolving, with arrests now common at Koh Samui airport, and Chiang Mai airport in the north of Thailand.[MH1] 

What’s going on?

Thailand, a country known to be tough on drugs, surprisingly decriminalised cannabis in 2022, allowing people to use it for private recreational use if the THC content is below 0.2% by weight.

Since then, cannabis shops have popped up all over the country, and cannabis farming has exploded – but not without consequences. Locals have particularly hit out at the rise of ‘drug tourism’ in the country, which has encouraged more young people to use the drug.

While smoking cannabis in private is legal, using it in public remains prohibited. And it’s not just about where you smoke – exporting or carrying cannabis out of Thailand can land you a heavy fine or up to 10 years in prison.

The rise in arrests is partly down to poor understanding of the laws, and part of it is the work of organised crime groups, with the National Crime Agency linking the smuggling of cannabis to international criminal networks.

As a result, Thai authorities are introducing stricter security checks and cracking down hard on anyone caught breaking the rules – tourists included.

So, if you or someone you know is heading to Thailand, be aware of the local laws, especially when it comes to cannabis. What might seem like a relaxed environment can quickly turn into a legal nightmare.

And remember – just because something is legal in one country, it doesn’t mean it will be legal in your country of onward travel. Many other countries have harsh penalties for drugs offences, and The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says:

It is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permissions issued by the authorities. Illegally carrying cannabis, particularly large quantities, can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment in Thailand, the UK and other countries you may travel to.

The FCDO publishes travel advice on entry requirements, safety and security, and regional risks, which you can find here, and you can also sign up to receive email alerts for your destination from them here.

We have recently published a statement on the rise in drugs-related arrests amongst Brits abroad; read it here to learn more.