British ambassador issues cannabis warning in Phuket
British tourists lighting up in Thailand have been hit with a harsh reminder—bring cannabis home and you could face serious jail time.
During an official visit to Phuket on Monday, April 28, British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Gooding urged Thai officials to continue warning tourists that cannabis remains strictly illegal in the UK. The message was delivered during a meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the Phuket Provincial Hall.
“Cannabis is illegal to import into the UK—even in small amounts,” an official report of the meeting stated, with the ambassador stressing the importance of ensuring travellers understand UK laws.
Despite Thailand’s relaxed approach to cannabis in recent years, Gooding highlighted that British law takes a hard stance. In the UK, medical cannabis is only permitted if prescribed by a specialist for specific conditions. All other forms of possession, cultivation, distribution or sale remain illegal.
Classified as a Class B drug, those caught with unlicensed cannabis in the UK risk up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
The cannabis crackdown message came as part of a broader discussion during Ambassador Gooding’s two-day trip to Phuket, which began on Sunday, April 27. He was joined by his delegation and received a warm welcome from provincial leaders and business figures.
The meeting also focused on strengthening ties between the UK and Thailand, with discussions touching on sustainable tourism, health tourism, and improved safety measures for international travellers, reported The Phuket News.
Gooding took time to thank Phuket for its continued care and hospitality towards British nationals, emphasising the importance of ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
“This year marks 170 years of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Thailand.”
Gooding closed the meeting by thanking Governor Sophon and local agencies, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to working closely with Thailand in the future.
As British tourists continue to flock to Thailand’s sunny shores, the message is clear—light up in Thailand, but leave the weed behind if you’re heading home.
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