U.S. Warns Travelers on Thailand Cannabis Penalties of 10 Years and $15,000

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 20

Thailand's June 2026 customs policy can punish travelers who bring cannabis across its borders with up to 10 years in prison, a 500,000-baht fine — about $15,000 — or both.
U.S. Embassy officials said Americans should check bags before flying because cannabis remains illegal to import or export without permission, even though Thailand decriminalized possession in 2022.
Jeffrey Hoffman, a New York cannabis attorney, said travelers cannot rely on home-state or Canadian-style legalization once they enter another jurisdiction, citing Brittney Griner's Russia case as a warning.
Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant, said even personal-use or prescribed cannabis may be banned at a destination and urged travelers to research local laws and empty carry-ons of forgotten items.
TSA guidance on limited medical marijuana for some domestic flights does not apply abroad, where border crossings are governed by the destination country's drug laws.