Surge in British Cannabis Mules
Thai authorities are catching more and more British nationals smuggling cannabis out of Thailand. The increase comes amid the country’s decriminalization of cannabis, along with the easing of its visa policies.
Thai officials have arrested more than 50 Brits for drug smuggling since July 2024, as part of Operation Chaophraya. Many of the British nationals entered Thailand on short-term visa-exempt stays. Specifically, most were young tourists who succumbed to the lure of free holidays and quick cash from criminal gangs.
Cannabis Decriminalization
Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022 to boost tourism and agriculture. However, strict rules remain on export and possession.
Even so, tourists often believe cannabis is fully legal. This misunderstanding has created opportunities for smuggling networks. As a result, many unsuspecting travelers become mules, risking years in prison abroad.
Visa-Exempt Holidays Fuels Crime
Currently, Thailand allows UK citizens to enter without a visa for up to 30 days. Consequently, this policy has attracted both tourists and traffickers.
According to Thai police, gangs use this legal loophole to rotate cannabis couriers quickly. Often, smugglers leave the country before raising suspicion.
Recent Arrests Raise Alarms
In March 2025, Thai authorities arrested 13 foreigners at Samui Island Airport with 826 kilograms of cannabis. Seven were British.
Furthermore, officials caught Bella Culley and Charlotte May Lee in Georgia and Sri Lanka, respectively. Both had flown out of Thailand via the Suvarnabhumi airport.
Thai authorities believe such arrests represent only a fraction of actual cases. Former police general in Georgia, Jemal Janashia, believes gangs bribed Bella and Charlotte to carry drugs in bags and sachets.
Recruiting Cannabis Couriers
Gangs frequently use Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram to find recruits. Specifically, they promise exotic getaways and easy money for simple errands.
However, they end up tricking many mules. Some are unaware of the drugs in their bags until it’s too late. Meanwhile, others serve as decoys to distract customs from larger, hidden cannabis shipments.
Crackdowns Underway
Moving forward, the Thai government plans to reclassify cannabis and tighten regulations, including stricter ID checks and prescription-only purchases.
Moreover, Thai airports now conduct more rigorous luggage scans, especially on outbound flights to Europe. In addition, the UK’s National Crime Agency and Border Force are also collaborating with Thai police to track and intercept couriers.
In the first quarter of 2025, the Border Force has detected 1.5 tons of cannabis reaching the UK through post. This marked a 90 percent reduction, thanks to the intensified checks in Thailand.
Growing International Response
UK authorities are working to warn citizens about the legal risks of cannabis abroad. In fact, a government campaign now targets younger tourists through social media and airports.
Furthermore, officials are calling for stronger airline cooperation to flag suspicious travelers.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
British tourists must understand Thailand’s cannabis laws before traveling, as legal confusion is no excuse under Thai or international law.
Ultimately, the surge in cannabis smuggling shows how tourists can misuse relaxed entry policies. Although authorities on both sides are acting fast, travelers must still stay informed and alert.
Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash
