Travellers warned against carrying the luggage of others between countries

Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs is strongly advising the public against carrying luggage or parcels for others when travelling abroad, because they could unknowingly become couriers of illicit drugs or other contraband.

According to a statement published on the department's official Facebook page yesterday, travellers should refuse requests to transport baggage or other items, whether as a favour to acquaintances or friends or in exchange for payment from strangers.

The department emphasised that travellers can never be entirely certain of a package's contents, even if the request comes from a friend or relative. Accepting such tasks places individuals at high risk of being exploited by smugglers looking to hide illegal items.

Contraband hidden in passenger luggage often includes prohibited items, smuggled goods or illegal narcotics. If law enforcement officers detect these items, the person in possession of them will be held legally responsible and face prosecution, regardless of whether they claim ignorance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that offenses related to the possession, transport or smuggling of illegal narcotics carry severe penalties both in Thailand and abroad. Some international jurisdictions impose the death penalty or lengthy prison sentences and have regulations which are far stricter than those in Thailand.

Furthermore, the department warned that cannabis and its extracts containing THC levels exceeding legal limits remain illegal in many countries.

Travellers attempting to bring such products across international borders face immediate legal action at their destination.