Thai Customs officials have seized 1.6 tonnes of dried cannabis buds hidden inside two export containers at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, destined for the Netherlands.
The cannabis was concealed among shipments declared as blankets and duvet covers. Customs said the dried buds had an estimated value of 16 million baht.
The containers were examined on Monday 20 July 2026, in an operation involving Customs officials, representatives of the shipping line and the port authority. The department announced the seizure on Tuesday.
Cannabis found among declared bedding
The exporter had declared the cargo as 626 packages of blankets and duvet covers, with a combined declared weight of 32,390 kilogrammes, according to Customs.
A detailed inspection found dried cannabis buds concealed among those goods. Customs officers seized the cannabis and all related items as evidence.
Investigators are now widening their inquiry to identify other people involved in the suspected smuggling network and to take legal action against every party connected with the export attempt.
Possible customs and cannabis charges
The Customs Department said the exporter would face charges for making a false customs declaration under the Customs Act.
The case could also involve breaches of the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act and a 2025 Ministry of Public Health announcement that designated cannabis as a controlled herb.
No further details about the exporter or other suspects were released in the announcement.
What foreign businesses should note
For foreign-owned businesses, exporters and freight operators in Thailand, the case underlines the importance of ensuring that customs declarations accurately reflect the goods loaded into containers.
Cargo sent overseas must also meet Thai export requirements as well as the import rules of the destination country. Labelling a shipment as ordinary household goods does not remove the requirement to declare controlled products, and Customs can inspect containers at major ports including Laem Chabang.
The seizure comes amid continued scrutiny of cannabis controls in Thailand, particularly where products are transported commercially or sent abroad. Visitors and expatriates should be aware that rules governing cannabis within Thailand do not mean cannabis can be freely exported or carried across international borders.
Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost
Join the discussion? 
23 July 2026
-
1
-
1
-
1
-
2
-
1
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment