Cannabis Smuggling from Thailand

Thailand's cannabis decriminalization in 2022 opened the door to a booming industry — but without a clear legal framework, it also turned the country into a hotspot for cannabis trafficking. In this episode of Mekong Matters, independent Thai journalist Nathaphob Sungkate unpacks how cannabis is being smuggled out of Thailand by air, by courier, and by sea — often using unwitting travellers as mules. From 786 seizure cases in 2024 to over 3,000 in 2025, the numbers tell a story of policy failure, enforcement gaps, and organized crime exploiting a legal grey zone. We explore the methods traffickers use, the links between Thailand's legal cannabis market and illicit exports, and what it will take — from both Thai and European governments — to address the problem.This podcast has been funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views expressed in this publication are the author's alone and are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government.