Thailand’s cannabis experiment is nearing a reckoning. Customs seized 1.6 tonnes bound for the Netherlands as worldwide interceptions of Thai cannabis surge, piling pressure on the government to reschedule the drug.
Another massive cannabis shipment linked to Thailand has been intercepted before reaching Europe, piling fresh pressure on the government’s embattled cannabis policy as investigators seized 1.6 tonnes of dried buds hidden inside export containers bound for the Netherlands. The latest haul, uncovered at Laem Chabang Port, comes amid a wave of record international seizures that has transformed Thailand into a major source for global cannabis trafficking, embarrassed the government as repeated Thai-linked shipments are intercepted overseas, particularly in Europe, and left the country’s liberal regulatory regime facing its biggest test since cannabis was decriminalised in 2022.
Thai customs officials have seized 1.6 tonnes of dried cannabis buds concealed inside two export containers bound for the Netherlands at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri.
The drugs were hidden among blankets and duvet covers in one of Thailand’s largest recent cannabis export interceptions. The seizure took place on Monday during a joint inspection involving customs officers, representatives of the shipping line and the Port Authority of Thailand.
The exporter declared the shipment as 626 packages of blankets and duvet covers weighing 32,390 kilogrammes. However, a detailed examination exposed the concealment.
1.6 tonnes of cannabis hidden in export cargo bound for the Netherlands at Laem Chabang
Officers found dried cannabis buds packed among the declared cargo. Officials estimate the drugs have a value of about ฿16 million. The entire shipment was immediately seized as evidence.
The Customs Department said the exporter could face prosecution for submitting a false customs declaration under the Customs Act. In addition, investigators are examining possible offences under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act.
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