Can I take cannabis on domestic flights in Thailand?

mahatee niramitrsathitWednesday, September 28, 2022Last Updated: Thursday, March 27, 2025

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Can I take cannabis on domestic flights in Thailand?

Thailand legalised getting high. But can I carry ganja in the sky?

In June, Thailand removed cannabis from its list of illicit narcotics. Dispensaries, cafes, and even weed delivery services popped up overnight, transforming the Land of Smiles into a stoner’s Disneyland.

Every part of the cannabis plant became legal to possess, including the most important tetrahydrocannabinol-rich flowers (“weed”). Extracts made from cannabis – such as edibles or oil – are legally required to contain less than 0.2% THC.

It should go without saying, but NEVER take cannabis you bought in Thailand on an international flight. You’ll most likely end up in jail.

Can I take cannabis on domestic flights in Thailand?

After hearing mixed reports on the matter, The Thaiger contacted the torchbearers of Thai aviation Airports of Thailand (AOT) to find out the truth. AOT manages Thailand’s airports and sets the procedures for airport staff to follow.

AOT told the Thaiger…

“Passengers who wish to bring legal cannabis or cannabis products on domestic flights are advised to pack it in their checked baggage. The reason is that cannabis items carried on board must be inspected by staff from the Narcotics Control Board and would cause a delay during security checks.”

The Office of Narcotics Control Board will still undertake inspections of “cannabis items” at security to ensure that no extracts with high levels of THC – which are illegal – get on board.

Passengers over 20 years old are welcome to bring cannabis flowers, with no limit on THC content, onto domestic flights but are strongly advised to pack them in their checked baggage. Cannabis extracts containing no more than 0.2% THC are also permitted, which should also go into checked baggage.

In summary…

Yes, cannabis can be taken on domestic flights in Thailand by passengers over 20 years old. Note: it is strongly advised to pack cannabis and cannabis products into your checked baggage to avoid delays at security.

If you really wanted to carry cannabis in your hand luggage, it might still fly, but will be up to the discretion of an officer from the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and could cause significant delays at security.

If you weren’t planning on checking in any bags, do not fear. Wherever you are flying to, cannabis is never far away in Thailand.

Please note that it is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand’s borders.

Here are several recent incidents reported involving foreigners attempting to smuggle cannabis out of Thailand:

Koh Samui Airport Incidents:

12 March 2025: Five foreigners were arrested at Koh Samui Airport attempting to smuggle 144 kilograms of cannabis to London and Singapore. Authorities intercepted seven suitcases containing vacuum-sealed cannabis flower buds. Read more
14 March 2025: Two British nationals were arrested separately at Koh Samui Airport:
- Azeem, a British man, was caught with suitcases containing dried cannabis flowers.
- Another British man, Darryl Poole, was apprehended after attempting to smuggle 165 kilograms of cannabis flowers concealed in ten suitcases. Read more

Suvarnabhumi International Airport Arrests:

1-2 November 2024: Customs officials arrested two Malaysians and one Singaporean attempting to smuggle cannabis to Europe. The Singaporean was carrying 29 kilograms of cannabis intended for Italy, while the Malaysians had 70 kilograms destined for the UK. Read more

Krabi Airport Incident:

8 March 2025: British tourist Daniel James Hallett was arrested at Krabi Airport trying to fly to London with 38 kilograms of cannabis in his luggage. He faces serious charges, potentially up to ten years in prison. Read more

Chiang Mai Incident:

12 November 2024: Daniel, a British man, was arrested in Chiang Mai for selling drugs to foreign tourists over six months. Authorities suspect involvement in international cannabis smuggling. Read more

International Luggage Mix-up:

March 2025: A Thai couple accidentally transported 24 kilograms of cannabis to Japan due to a luggage mix-up. Upon realising the mistake, they reported themselves to Japanese authorities and were extensively questioned before being released. Read more

mahatee niramitrsathit

มหาธีร์ นิรมิตสถิต ลูกครึ่งไทย เมียนมาร์ ผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้านกัญชา ทั้งการปลูกและศึกษาวิจัยกัญชาเพื่อการแพทย์ ภูมิปัญญาชาวบ้าน พร้อมให้ความรู้เกี่ยวกับกัญชา กัญชงที่ถูกกฎหมายและปลอดภัย Mahatee is half-Thai / half-Burmese, he's considered a 'cannabis expert' (before and after legalisation!). He's experienced in both growing and researching Cannabis for medical use and has blogged/written about it for the past 7 years.