Report Cannabis Warning for Britons in Thailand: Leave It Behind or Risk Jail

[snoop1130]

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

British tourists basking in Thailand's sunny embrace received a reminder with serious consequences—bringing cannabis back to the UK could lead to jail time. This stark warning was delivered by British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, during his visit to Phuket on April 28th.

 

In a meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the Phuket Provincial Hall, Ambassador Gooding underscored the critical importance of reminding tourists that cannabis is still strictly illegal in the UK. "Cannabis is illegal to import into the UK—even in small amounts," the official report noted, as Gooding urged for continued warnings to travellers regarding UK laws.

 

Despite Thailand's increasingly relaxed stance on cannabis, where it's been decriminalised for certain uses, the UK maintains a stringent legal position. In Britain, medical cannabis is permissible only when prescribed by a specialist for specific medical conditions. All other forms, including possession, cultivation, distribution or sale, remain illegal under UK law. As a Class B drug, unlicensed possession of cannabis in the UK can lead to penalties of up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

 

 

 

The ambassador's cannabis caution formed part of a broader dialogue during his two-day visit, which began on April 27th. During this visit, Ambassador Gooding and his delegation were warmly welcomed by local leaders and business figures, discussing key issues such as sustainable tourism, health tourism, and enhancing safety for international visitors.

 

In his discussions, Gooding expressed gratitude for Phuket's continued hospitality towards British nationals and stressed the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relationships. Highlighting the year 2023 as the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Thailand, Ambassador Gooding reaffirmed his commitment to fostering closer ties with the local government and agencies.

 

As the meeting concluded, the message to British tourists was clear and unequivocal—enjoy Thailand's offerings responsibly, but leave all cannabis behind before heading back home to avoid severe legal repercussions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-30

 

 

[Yagoda]

Britain needs to smoke more and stab less.

[Gottfrid]

That´s a "Good" man. He knows that his fellow country men need that specific little extra warning to understand, while people in other countries get it through the regular channels. 😂

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Britain needs to smoke more and stab less.

Britain, once a great nation... gone to the dogs.

[newbee2022]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News

 

British tourists basking in Thailand's sunny embrace received a reminder with serious consequences—bringing cannabis back to the UK could lead to jail time. This stark warning was delivered by British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, during his visit to Phuket on April 28th.

 

In a meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the Phuket Provincial Hall, Ambassador Gooding underscored the critical importance of reminding tourists that cannabis is still strictly illegal in the UK. "Cannabis is illegal to import into the UK—even in small amounts," the official report noted, as Gooding urged for continued warnings to travellers regarding UK laws.

 

Despite Thailand's increasingly relaxed stance on cannabis, where it's been decriminalised for certain uses, the UK maintains a stringent legal position. In Britain, medical cannabis is permissible only when prescribed by a specialist for specific medical conditions. All other forms, including possession, cultivation, distribution or sale, remain illegal under UK law. As a Class B drug, unlicensed possession of cannabis in the UK can lead to penalties of up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

 

 

 

The ambassador's cannabis caution formed part of a broader dialogue during his two-day visit, which began on April 27th. During this visit, Ambassador Gooding and his delegation were warmly welcomed by local leaders and business figures, discussing key issues such as sustainable tourism, health tourism, and enhancing safety for international visitors.

 

In his discussions, Gooding expressed gratitude for Phuket's continued hospitality towards British nationals and stressed the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relationships. Highlighting the year 2023 as the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Thailand, Ambassador Gooding reaffirmed his commitment to fostering closer ties with the local government and agencies.

 

As the meeting concluded, the message to British tourists was clear and unequivocal—enjoy Thailand's offerings responsibly, but leave all cannabis behind before heading back home to avoid severe legal repercussions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-30

 

 

Interesting that this warning was going to Brits!

Other nationalities seems to be more resilient?

Do Brits need this stuff to escape the reality or misery in their lives or country?

Maybe someone got an explaination?

Please no Brit bashing please.

[ronster]

Utter nonsense unless you just happen to have forgotten about that kilo you bought in your pocket ! 🙄

[Gottfrid]

7 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Interesting that this warning was going to Brits!

Other nationalities seems to be more resilient?

Do Brits need this stuff to escape the reality or misery in their lives or country?

Maybe someone got an explaination?

Please no Brit bashing please.

The middle sentence, regarding if Brits need this more than other might have a point, as the country has never been in as bad shape as now regarding regular social life. However, and this is not Brit bashing, it will probably be connected to widespread ignorance. Besides that there is also the entitlement to and the belief of getting away with more than other nationalities. On the top of that, you also have the glory in being a hard boiled crook and gangster. Something learned from the corner bars and the football scene of hooligans in firms like Millwall Bushwackers and Wolves Subway Army to the streets of Manchester. So, yeah, and extra warning is definitely needed.

[KhunBENQ]

29 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

That´s a "Good" man. He knows that his fellow country men need that specific little extra warning to understand, while people in other countries get it through the regular channels. 😂

The cannabis rules in Germany have been relaxed but just smuggling in is still punishable.

Two japanese landing in Berlin from Bangkok via Doha with 68 kilo in two suitcases is current record holder.

[BritManToo]

31 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Britain, once a great nation... gone to the dogs.

A great nation that brutally brutally attacked, killed, plundered and conquered half the world by force of arms. What once made us great, now brings us into disrepute.

 

But come the next world war but one (fought with swords and clubs) ....... we'll be back in fashion again!

 

Back on topic,

Loads of cannabis in the UK, a lot grown locally, and easily purchased in the smoking shed of your pub's back garden.

[blaze master]

No more suitcases full ok boys. 

[quake]

British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding 

Just a f-ing insult to

good honest brits. 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, ronster said:

Utter nonsense unless you just happen to have forgotten about that kilo you bought in your pocket ! 🙄

 

Is that a banana in your pocket or are you just happy to see me ?

[Grusa]

Isn't that "Big Joke" Hakparn in the OP picture? I thought he was history!

[StevieAus]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

A great nation that brutally brutally attacked, killed, plundered and conquered half the world by force of arms. What once made us great, now brings us into disrepute.

 

But come the next world war but one (fought with swords and clubs) ....... we'll be back in fashion again!

 

Back on topic,

Loads of cannabis in the UK, a lot grown locally, and easily purchased in the smoking shed of your pub's back garden.

 

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

A great nation that brutally brutally attacked, killed, plundered and conquered half the world by force of arms. What once made us great, now brings us into disrepute.

 

But come the next world war but one (fought with swords and clubs) ....... we'll be back in fashion again!

 

Back on topic,

Loads of cannabis in the UK, a lot grown locally, and easily purchased in the smoking shed of your pub's back garden.

Regarding your first paragraph perhaps we learned from the Romans, Vikings, et al.

Whats good for the goose is good for the gander.