Four European nationals have been arrested at Phuket International Airport after Thai authorities allegedly discovered more than 30 kilograms of cannabis and processed cannabis products concealed in their luggage before a scheduled flight to France.
The arrests were announced by Phuket Airport Customs on 28 July. Officials said the group was attempting to transport the cannabis from Thailand to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The seized cannabis and cannabis products have an estimated value of almost 2.6 million baht.
The four suspects have been identified only by their first names as Sean, 19, a Swiss national, China, 18, a French national, Markus, 18, also from Switzerland, and Alasan, 26, a French national.
Cannabis allegedly concealed in suitcases
According to customs officials, officers stopped the group before they boarded their flight and searched their luggage. Authorities allege they found cannabis flower and processed cannabis products hidden inside several suitcases.
The total weight of the seized cannabis exceeded 30 kilograms. Officials said the shipment was due to depart from Phuket International Airport and arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.
The four suspects have been charged with attempting to export goods without completing the required customs procedures. Authorities said the case also involves alleged offences under several Thai laws, including the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), the Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act, the Ministry of Public Health’s Controlled Herb (Cannabis) Notification B.E. 2568 (2025), and Thailand’s Narcotics Code.
In Thailand, the Buddhist Era (B.E.) calendar is used in official legislation. The year B.E. 2560 corresponds to 2017 in the Gregorian calendar, while B.E. 2568 corresponds to 2025.
The suspects and the seized cannabis were transferred to investigators at Sakhu Police Station, who are continuing the legal process.
A reminder for visitors to Thailand
Although Thailand removed cannabis from its list of narcotics in 2022, the law continues to place strict controls on its production, sale and export. Taking cannabis or cannabis products out of Thailand without the required government authorisation remains illegal.
The case serves as a reminder for foreign visitors that the legal availability of cannabis within Thailand does not permit travellers to carry it across international borders. Customs inspections are routinely carried out at Thailand’s international airports, and anyone attempting to export cannabis without authorisation risks prosecution under Thai law.
Travellers should also be aware of the laws in their destination country. Many countries, including France, maintain strict prohibitions on importing cannabis, meaning passengers may face criminal penalties both in Thailand and after arriving overseas.
Thai authorities have stepped up enforcement against suspected cannabis smuggling through the country’s international airports, with several similar cases involving foreign travellers reported in recent months. The latest arrests highlight the importance of understanding both Thai law and the import regulations of any destination before travelling with controlled substances.
