Krabi Provincial Police reported that the incident unfolded at about 11:50pm Saturday (Mar 8) when airport staff found a suspicious bag hidden in the men’s bathroom on the upper floor of the International Departures Terminal.
Upon arrival, officers found a blue, wheeled suitcase containing many packages containing what appeared to be cannabis.
Initial inspections by airport customs officials, using X-ray screening in the International Arrivals Terminal, revealed 35 packages of cannabis flower buds of various strains.
The drugs were packed in double-layer vacuum-sealed bags, likely to prevent odour detection, with the total weight ‒ including packaging ‒ amounting to 37.84 kilogrammes, police reported.The packages were packed into two suitcases.
Following the discovery, authorities arrested the suspect (name withheld at the request of police), on charges related to drug trafficking and customs violations.
Police confirmed that the man was charged under several sections of Thai law, including attempting to export goods not cleared by customs, violating the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Act, and breaching regulations on controlled herbs under the Ministry of Public Health’s directives.
The seized drugs and related evidence were handed over to investigators at Nuea Khlong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Thailand has recently relaxed some laws surrounding cannabis use, but strict regulations remain in place, particularly regarding its export. Authorities continue to enforce strong penalties for those attempting to traffic illegal substances across the country’s borders.
The case remains under investigation.