Thailand tourism crackdown has new UK visa rule months after cannabis law change
Going on holiday is often a chance to let loose and have some fun but there are some countries where the rules are a little stricter than others.
Naturally, us Brits have something of a reputation for getting a little too wild when we head abroad, with some areas in Spain even calling for a ban on selling us alcohol since we're all such menaces.
While I'd never advocate for the use of drugs, it would be unreasonable for me to pretend that illegal substances aren't a common feature of holidays, especially among younger folks.
But while Amsterdam might be a hotspot for anyone wanting to legally enjoy some weed, Thailand has extremely strict rules when it comes to marijuana, and being found with it could land you with a serious punishment.
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Over the years, several Brits have fallen foul of the law in Thailand and have been threatened with the death penalty, particularly when attempting to smuggle the drug back to the UK.
Although it's an incredibly popular holiday destination, the Thai government are clearly a bit fed up with the massive influx of Brits, as they've now introduced a new visa rule which is set to make travel there a little more difficult.
If you're hoping to stay there for more than 30 days, you'll now have to apply for a visa, something the government are putting down to the sheer number of high profile sex trafficking and drug cases.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government found the policy needed revising 'to be more suitable for the current situation, both in terms of the economy and national security'.
Hopefully you weren't planning on taking any drugs on your trip to south east Asia anyway but the foreign commonwealth and development office (FCDO) has fortunately issued some updated advice, to ensure that you don't get caught out by transporting something that might not belong to you.
“Always pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for someone else. British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand,” the FCDO advises.
“Many international airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which may be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers,” it warns.
The FCDO adds: “In some countries, you can be arrested if you have traces of cannabis on your clothing, baggage or within you. Random blood and urine tests can be taken to see if it is within you.
“It is illegal to take cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate export permissions issued by the authorities. Illegally carrying cannabis, particularly large quantities, can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment in Thailand.”
Things are even stricter over in Indonesia, where even medicinal use can land you in serious trouble, as US basketball player Jarred Shaw found out when he was discovered with cannabis gummies.
James Moorhouse