If the controlled herb is cannabis-related (e.g., cannabis flowers or parts of the plant with THC levels exceeding legal limits), the penalties could fall under the Narcotics Act B.E. 2522 (1979) or its amendments. While cannabis was decriminalized for medical and research purposes in 2022, unauthorized exportation of controlled parts (like flowers) or extracts exceeding 0.2% THC could still be treated as a narcotics offense. Penalties under this framework vary based on the quantity and intent:
For manufacturing, importing, or exporting narcotics (if the herb is classified as such due to THC content or lack of permits), penalties can include imprisonment ranging from 1 to 15 years and fines up to 1.5 million THB (around $45,000 USD).
In severe cases involving large quantities or organized trafficking, penalties could escalate to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though the latter is rare and typically reserved for major drug trafficking networks.