Fresh Thailand travel warning as breaking rule could land Britons with 'heavy fines' or prison time
Britons have been issued a fresh travel warning for Southeast Asian holiday hotspot Thailand.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provided updated information about illegally carrying cannabis when leaving Thailand.
Holidaymakers were advised: “It is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permissions issued by the authorities.
“Illegally carrying cannabis, particularly large quantities, can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment in Thailand, the UK and other countries you may travel to.”
Thailand is a picturesque holiday destination
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The rest of the FCDO’s guidance on cannabis reads: “Using cannabis in public places is illegal. Private recreational use of cannabis is legal if the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content is below 0.2 per cent by weight.
“There are still restrictions around growing and selling cannabis products. See more information on the Thai government’s website.
“While low-strength cannabis is legal in Thailand, it is likely to be illegal in other countries you travel on to.
“This includes residual amounts, for example in bags or clothing or in your bloodstream.”
Sawasdee Thailand has a “Cannabis Handbook” to help tourists use cannabis legally when in the country.
The Ministry of Public Health’s 10 things tourists need to know about cannabis in Thailand
- Carrying seeds or parts of the cannabis plant from and to Thailand for personal purposes is not permitted.
- Cannabis cultivation is legal but registering in the Food And Drug Administration’s “Plook Ganja” application or through a government website is required.
- Using cannabis flower buds for research, export, sale, and processing for commercial purposes requires an official permit.
- Individuals under 20 years old, pregnant women and breastfeeding women are not eligible to use cannabis except under the supervision of health professionals.
- Possession of extract containing more than 0.2 per cent THC and synthetic THC requires permission.
- Cannabis-containing dishes are available in authorized restaurants.
- Approved cannabis health products are accessible through specific channels.
- Smoking cannabis in public spaces, including schools and shopping malls, is illegal.
- Avoid driving after consuming food or health products containing cannabis.
- Those who have serious undesirable health outcomes from consuming cannabis should promptly see doctors for treatment.
Thailand is a stunning destination and a very popular spot amongst British holidaymakers.
Known – and loved – for its delicious cuisine; countless beautiful temples; fashion, food and flower markets; and dramatic landscapes from mountains to waterfalls, not to mention idyllic beaches.
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Before travelling to Thailand, it’s important to consult the FCDO’s latest guidance
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But before visiting the holiday paradise, it’s important to consult the FCDO’s latest guidance to ensure a safe, well-informed trip.
This will have the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.
Britons should always check the FCDO’s latest information on their chosen destination before booking a trip.
Holidaymakers were recently told they could be “detained” if they do not honour a visa rule in a “must-see” holiday destination.
