A 21 year old Belgian tourist has been arrested at Phuket International Airport after authorities allegedly discovered 31.7 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside two suitcases she was preparing to check in for an international flight. The arrest is the latest in a series of cases involving foreign nationals accused of attempting to smuggle drugs out of Thailand.
The arrest took place on 7 July 2026 at the airport’s international departures terminal during routine baggage screening. Officers identified two suspicious suitcases, one green and white and the other black, before carrying out a detailed search.
According to authorities, the luggage contained 12 vacuum sealed packages of cannabis flower weighing 28.3 kilograms, along with eight packages of processed cannabis weighing 3.4 kilograms. The total seizure amounted to approximately 31.7 kilograms.
Police said the woman initially admitted ownership of both suitcases and their contents.
She has been charged with attempting to export goods without customs clearance under Thailand’s Customs Act 2017, along with offences under the country’s Narcotics Code, the Thai Traditional Medicine Protection and Promotion Act 1999, the Ministry of Public Health’s 2025 Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis), and other relevant legislation.
Although Thailand decriminalised cannabis in 2022, the rules have changed significantly in recent years. Cannabis is now regulated as a controlled herb, and exporting cannabis without the required licences and approvals remains illegal. Travellers caught attempting to take cannabis out of Thailand face serious criminal charges.
The suspect and the seized cannabis were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Pol. Col. Salan Santisatsanakul, superintendent of Sakhu Police Station, said the arrest resulted from coordinated operations between customs officials and security agencies to strengthen passenger and baggage screening at Phuket International Airport. He said authorities will continue to strictly enforce the law against anyone attempting to smuggle controlled substances out of the country.
The case is one of numerous recent drug smuggling arrests involving passengers departing Thailand. Authorities have stepped up inspections at the country’s international airports following several high profile seizures.
It also follows another case reported by Chrome Crumpet in which a Turkish passenger was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle 12 kilograms of cocaine. You can read that story here: https://chromecrumpet.com/turkish-passenger-arrested-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-after-alleged-12kg-cocaine-smuggling-attempt/
The recent arrests serve as a reminder to visitors and residents that Thailand continues to enforce strict laws against the export of cannabis and other controlled substances, despite past changes to the country’s cannabis legislation.
