Malaysian National Arrested for Cannabis Smuggling at Padang Besar Border
Customs officials at the Padang Besar checkpoint intercepted a Malaysian man attempting to smuggle 20 kilograms of cannabis flower across the border.
On October 15, 2026, customs officers at the Padang Besar checkpoint in Sadao District, Songkhla Province, arrested a Malaysian national for attempting to smuggle cannabis flower out of Thailand. According to Harin Horwang, the head of the Padang Besar Customs House, the suspect was apprehended while attempting to cross the border in a private vehicle.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered a hidden compartment behind the rear passenger seats. The vehicle had been modified to conceal 800 packages of cannabis flower, each weighing 250 grams, totaling approximately 20 kilograms with an estimated street value of over 300,000 baht.
This incident highlights the ongoing strict enforcement of export regulations regarding cannabis products at Thai border crossings. The suspect faces charges under the Customs Act of 2017 and the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Act. For travelers and residents, this serves as a reminder that despite changes in domestic cannabis regulations, the unauthorized cross-border transport of cannabis remains a serious criminal offense.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities have yet to release further details regarding the suspect's legal proceedings or potential accomplices. Travelers are advised to remain aware of strict border control measures when crossing between Thailand and Malaysia.
