Thailand

Illegal drugs carry severe penalties in Thailand — possession, use, or trafficking can mean long prison terms, heavy fines, or even execution, and some U.S. prescription medications are also illegal here.

Long jail terms up to the death penalty

Bringing cannabis (including buds) or CBD into Thailand without a permit is illegal no matter where you bought it; effective 17 June 2026 cannabis imports are a customs offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to 500,000 baht, or both.

Up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to 500,000 baht (Customs Act Sec. 244), effective 17 June 2026.

Since 26 June 2025 cannabis in Thailand is restricted to medical use only — it can be obtained solely with a prescription from a licensed medical professional (30-day supply maximum), and recreational shop, online and vending-machine sales, plus all cannabis advertising, are banned.

Selling or possessing cannabis without a valid medical prescription is now an offense.

Carry prescription medicine in its original packaging with your doctor's prescription (about a 30-day personal supply), and check with the Thai FDA and Customs first because some U.S. medications are illegal in Thailand.

Some U.S. meds are banned and can be seized

Foreign currency (notes and coins) exceeding USD 20,000 or its equivalent must be declared to Customs when entering or leaving Thailand.

Undeclared currency over the limit may be subject to enforcement action.

E-cigarettes and all vaping devices, e-liquids and accessories are illegal in Thailand and must not be brought in or used, by foreigners or Thais.

Arrest, jail time, or a fine several times the value of the items; on-the-spot fines reported.

Traffic moves on the left in Thailand, and driving under the influence is punishable by law.

If found intoxicated you could be jailed for a minimum of two years and fined.

There are no known legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or LGB events in Thailand.

Making a critical or defamatory comment about the Thai royal family is a serious crime — even defacing bank notes, which carry the King's image, can qualify as lèse-majesté.

Up to 15 years in prison per offense