Thailand plans to introduce stricter cannabis laws following a sharp increase in smuggling cases involving tourists. The government will limit cannabis sales and require medical prescriptions for all legal purchases to address public safety concerns.
In 2022, Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis. This change boosted tourism, helped farmers, and led to thousands of dispensaries opening across the country.
Despite these benefits, the policy faced criticism over easy access for children and addiction risks due to loose regulation. Health officials announced new rules to tighten control and reminded people that taking cannabis abroad without permission remains illegal.
The ruling party wants to reverse the 2022 law and re-criminalize cannabis, but some coalition partners who support legalization oppose the change. This disagreement has created tension within the government.
Airport staff in Thailand have increased luggage inspections to stop cannabis trafficking by foreign tourists. Most of those caught smuggling are British and Indian nationals. Recently, police in Georgia and Sri Lanka arrested two British women who arrived from Thailand with cannabis in their luggage.
The British government confirmed a joint operation with Thailand in February that intercepted two tonnes of cannabis. Since mid-2022, Thai police have arrested over 50 British nationals for smuggling attempts. There has also been a rise in cannabis shipments sent by mail from Thailand to the UK.
In March, Thai police seized 375 kilograms of cannabis at Samui Island’s airport. They found 22 suitcases filled with cannabis and arrested 13 foreign suspects, mostly British tourists. The suspects were reportedly instructed to travel from Samui to Singapore and then to the UK with the drug. Each smuggler was promised about £2,000 after completing the delivery.
Authorities say this group was part of an organized trafficking network targeting international routes. The government plans to increase enforcement and monitor tourist movements more closely to prevent further abuse of cannabis laws.