Four European tourists have been arrested at Phuket International Airport after Thai authorities allegedly discovered more than 30 kilograms of cannabis and processed cannabis products concealed in their luggage before a flight to France.

The arrests were announced on 28 July by Phuket Airport Customs, which said the four passengers were attempting to export the cannabis from Thailand to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The seized drugs had an estimated value of almost 2.6 million baht.

The suspects were identified only as Sean, 19, a Swiss national; China, 18, a French national; Markus, 18, also from Switzerland; and Alasan, 26, a French national.

Cannabis allegedly hidden in luggage

According to customs officials, officers intercepted the group before departure and found cannabis flower and processed cannabis products hidden inside their suitcases. In total, the seizure weighed more than 30 kilograms.

Authorities said the shipment originated at Phuket International Airport (HKT) and was destined for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.

Picture courtesy of Workpoint News

Police have charged the four with attempting to export goods from Thailand without completing the required customs procedures. Officials said the alleged offences fall under multiple sections of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), as well as provisions of the Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act, the Ministry of Public Health’s Controlled Herb (Cannabis) Notification B.E. 2568 (2025), and the Narcotics Code.

The suspects, along with the seized cannabis, were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings.

What it means for foreign travellers

Although cannabis was decriminalised in Thailand in 2022, exporting cannabis remains illegal without the required authorisations. The case serves as a reminder that travellers cannot legally take cannabis or cannabis products out of Thailand simply because they are available for sale within the country.

Foreign visitors should also remember that many destination countries, including France, maintain strict laws on cannabis importation. Travellers departing Thailand are subject to customs inspections, and attempts to carry cannabis across international borders can lead to prosecution in Thailand as well as potential legal consequences upon arrival overseas.

Thai authorities have continued to target suspected attempts to smuggle cannabis abroad through the country’s international airports, with several similar arrests reported in recent months.

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29 July 2026

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