Following the recent seizure of over 73.5 kilograms of cannabis flowers, worth more than 2 million baht, from three foreign nationals at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Thai government has ramped up measures to prevent illegal cannabis exports. The cannabis was concealed in vacuum-sealed bags inside luggage and was intercepted on May 20.
On May 21, at Don Mueang International Airport, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, along with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Airports of Thailand (AOT), and other agencies, announced new steps to address the issue. A new joint task force has been established, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, with 15 representatives from relevant departments.
Somsak emphasized that illegal cannabis exports have caused diplomatic issues with countries that strictly regulate cannabis, such as the UK, India, Pakistan, and Hong Kong. Recent arrests involved 72 kg of cannabis being smuggled in a span of just a few days. In response, stricter regulations on cannabis use and export are being drafted.
Key proposed measures include:
- Mandatory medical certification and prescription for cannabis use, whether by traditional or general medical practitioners.
- Quantity control for medical use.
- Cannabis must meet GACP standards regulated by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
Export of cannabis flowers is legal only with proper authorization. Violators face imprisonment and fines. An updated herbal medicine control declaration will be drafted within 40 days, followed by a 15-day public hearing.
Additionally, Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports will intensify inspections with 100% scanning of baggage, potentially adding K9 units for drug detection. The AOT has committed to full cooperation with the new enforcement measures.