At least 11 French nationals have been arrested in Thailand after cannabis was found in their luggage, with several claiming they were duped into carrying locked bags in return for free holidays.
France's National Police told broadcaster RTL that the suspects were charged with attempting to smuggle drugs out of Thailand. Some remain in police custody as tougher procedures are reportedly being applied to those unable to settle customs fines.
French media said that, previously, people arrested with cannabis in their luggage could return to France after the drugs were seized as evidence. Under the newer rules, suspects who do not pay a fine at the customs office can be detained in Thailand while awaiting trial.
Claims of a "Thailand plan" scam
Families of several arrested travellers have told French media their relatives may have fallen victim to what has been described as the "Thailand plan".
They said criminal groups offered free trips to Thailand on the condition that travellers took luggage back to France. The travellers were allegedly told the bags contained mobile phones, but they instead held large quantities of cannabis.
RTL reported that a 20-year-old French national was arrested while returning from Thailand in June. Airport officials allegedly found 16.8 kilogrammes of cannabis in locked luggage, and the man said he did not have the combination needed to open it.
He told investigators that somebody who contacted him through Snapchat had paid for his Thailand trip. The report did not establish whether he knew what was inside the luggage.
French media also reported that two other French nationals were arrested in Hong Kong after cannabis was found in luggage they had unknowingly carried from Thailand.
Fines, custody and possible prison terms
RTL reported a customs fine of 30,000 baht, for one kilogramme of cannabis. Attempting to smuggle cannabis can lead to prison terms of between two and 10 years.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has urged French citizens to follow changes to Thailand's cannabis laws and comply with local rules. It is following the cases involving French nationals held in Thailand and providing consular assistance.
The ministry said it would investigate the alleged scheme to identify those behind it and determine whether a wider network is involved.
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14 August 2026
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