Asia and Oceania

Thailand
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 25 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Local Travel sections (postponed ‘red shirt’ rally in Bangkok and Cambodia/Thailand relations). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

Never become involved with drugs of any kind in Thailand. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. If you are found guilty of being in possession of marijuana you are likely to receive a long prison sentence plus a hefty fine. Amphetamines and Ecstasy are regarded as class A drugs and possession or trafficking of them carries the same penalties as, for example, heroin. If you are found guilty of being in possession of 20 grams, or more, of a class A drug at a point of exit from Thailand you will most likely be sentenced to death.

It is illegal to import more than 200 cigarettes per person into Thailand. The importation of more than 200 cigarettes will be met with a heavy fine and the confiscation of the cigarettes.

By law, tourists are expected to carry their passports with them at all times in Thailand. There have been incidents where tourists have been arrested because they were unable to produce their passport.

It is a criminal offence to make critical or defamatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family in Thailand. This offence is punishable by a sentence of three to fifteen years or longer.

Thai family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue. Please see our Child Abduction page.

Fore more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.