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Belgian Tourist Arrested at Phuket Airport with 31kg of Cannabis
A 21-year-old Belgian national was arrested at Phuket International Airport on July 7, 2026, after security found more than 31 kilograms of cannabis in her checked luggage. Salma El Khnati was attempting to board a flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle when screeners flagged her bags. She admitted ownership of the cannabis and now faces serious criminal charges under Thai law.
What Was Found
Officers searched two suitcases. The first, a white and green bag, contained 12 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis flower weighing around 28.3 kg. The second, a black suitcase, held 8 packages of processed cannabis. Combined, the haul exceeded 31 kg.
The Charges
El Khnati faces charges of attempting to export prohibited goods from Thailand, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods, or both. She also faces additional charges under the Act on Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine, which governs cannabis control. She was handed to Sakhu Police Station for further proceedings.
Why Screening Is Tighter Right Now
The arrest comes as Thai airport security has been significantly stepped up. Following the arrest of a Thai flight attendant in Australia in June 2026 on alleged heroin smuggling charges, the Royal Thai Police deployed additional K9 units to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, with dogs operating around the clock for random baggage inspections. Phuket is operating under the same heightened scrutiny.
Sakhu Police Station Superintendent Salan Santisatsanakun credited inter-agency cooperation and stricter passenger baggage screening for the result.
What This Means If You're Travelling Through Thailand
Cannabis may have a legal domestic status in Thailand, but carrying it out of the country is a criminal offence, full stop. The legality at your destination makes no difference under Thai law. With K9 units now actively deployed at major international departure points and screening intensified across all channels, the risk of detection is higher than it has been in years. If you are transiting through Phuket, Suvarnabhumi, or any other major Thai airport, be aware that baggage checks are thorough and ongoing.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.