Mae Sai customs officers in Chiang Rai have seized more than 23 million baht in cash concealed inside parcel boxes in a Myanmar-registered car attempting to cross into Tachileik, Myanmar. The money was discovered during an inspection at the first Mae Sai border checkpoint, leading to the arrest of the driver and the launch of legal proceedings.

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The vehicle was searched on June 23, 2026, in the outbound vehicle lane around 20 metres from the Thai-Myanmar border. The driver, a 31-year-old Myanmar national, had already completed outbound passport procedures with Chiang Rai immigration officers before customs officers carried out the inspection.

During the search, officers found Thai 1,000-baht banknotes worth a total of 23,023,000 baht hidden inside two cardboard boxes labelled as fish-strip and potato products. Authorities said the cash had been concealed inside the boxes in an apparent attempt to move the money across the border without detection.

Officials stated that the cash had not been authorised by an exchange-control officer and had not been declared to customs before leaving Thailand. Under Thai law, anyone transporting currency out of the kingdom must comply with customs declaration and exchange-control requirements.

The cash was seized as evidence and the driver was arrested for further investigation. Authorities said the alleged offence involved an attempted smuggling of Thai currency out of the country without completing the required customs procedures.

The Nation reported that the case is being pursued under Sections 242 and 252 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560, together with Section 80 of the Criminal Code and Sections 8 and 8 bis of the Exchange Control Act B.E. 2485. Investigators will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the attempted transfer of the funds and what additional individuals were involved.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 27 June 2026

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So 23 million baht - what's the custom charge for that if was originally declared? & As undeclared guessing much higher or just lose the money & into the gov coffers & the custom officers rewarded?

Seems odd that amount being ferried between countries when can send via other means

11 minutes ago, phil2407 said:

So 23 million baht - what's the custom charge for that if was originally declared? & As undeclared guessing much higher or just lose the money & into the gov coffers & the custom officers rewarded?

Seems odd that amount being ferried between countries when can send via other means

It's the questions that get asked. "What is the origin of this cash? Do you have tax documentation? Who does it belong to?"

"uhhh..."

That luxe condo deal in Bangkok fell through.

Too bad govt gets it...

Proceeds of crime, probably meth trafficking.

23 hours ago, phil2407 said:

So 23 million baht - what's the custom charge for that if was originally declared? & As undeclared guessing much higher or just lose the money & into the gov coffers & the custom officers rewarded?

Seems odd that amount being ferried between countries when can send via other means

For properly declared THB cash leaving the country Customs does not impose a charge. Taking cash over authorised limits without BOT authorisation results in fines and possible confiscation of the cash.

The cash being moved in this particular case was, very obviously, illicit cash which could not be moved using the other means that you reference.