BANGKOK, THAILAND – At least eleven French nationals have been detained in Thailand since mid-June after cannabis was found in their luggage at airports.
They were preparing to leave the country and now face legal proceedings. Tougher customs rules mean unpaid fines now lead to arrest and possible prison time.
Cannabis found in locked suitcase
The case of a 20-year-old Frenchman has emerged in detail. He travelled to Thailand in mid-June and was arrested as he tried to depart.
In his locked suitcase – for which he reportedly had no opening code – customs officers found 16.8 kilograms of cannabis. His family told AFP he was contacted via Snapchat about the so-called “Thailand Plan”.
Free trip offered on social media
Several families say their relatives may have been tricked by an offer spread through social media. The promise: free flights, accommodation, expenses and a payment for returning with a suitcase to Europe.
According to an AFP report, the recruited travellers were initially told the bags contained mobile phones. Multiple suspects claim they knew nothing about the cannabis. It has not yet been confirmed that all eleven French were unaware of the illegal contents.
Customs fine of 30,000 Baht per kilogram
Since June 18, Thailand has demanded a customs penalty of 30,000 Baht per kilogram of cannabis seized. That is about 790 euros.
Anyone who does not pay the fine is held and sent to court. If convicted, they face between two and ten years in prison.
Two more French detained in Hong Kong
Beyond Thailand, two other French tourists have been detained in Hong Kong. They had arrived from Thailand and were stopped during a stopover with suitcases full of cannabis.
The information comes from a police source who spoke to franceinfo. Both men are also accused of transporting cannabis.
France tracking cases and investigating Thailand Plan
France’s foreign ministry warns that exporting cannabis from Thailand is strictly forbidden. Its travel advisories note the tightened controls, the customs fine and the potential prison terms.
The consular authorities in Thailand are coordinating with local officials, while in Paris the suspected ringleaders and possible networks behind the Thailand Plan are being investigated.
said a French official.