Mess about with drugs in Thailand and the super friendly local hospitality soon runs out. Stay out of trouble with the detailed answers to our quiz
1) Thailand has a zero tolerance to drug smugglers. If you are caught trafficking in or out of Thailand, you could face anything from 4 years to life or the death penalty in a Thai prison – depending on how much, and what, you are caught with. Category 1 drugs carry the most severe penalties. While The Narcotics Act in Thailand is vague about category 1 drugs; Heroin, amphetamines, LSD and ecstasy are classed as such. If you are carrying 20 grams or more of a category 1 drug, you could face a sentence of death by lethal injection. However, even those carrying smaller amounts of drugs at airports and international borders are prosecuted as traffickers.
2) It is not safe to buy drugs from anyone in Thailand without taking great risks. Often local dealers work alongside police officers as informers. The police will soon relieve you of the drugs and your money - through bribes – and the dealer will get a cut, and probably his or her drugs back. The six Britons monthly, on average, that are charged with small quantities for personal use – mostly amphetamines or cannabis – are fined and deported.
3) Thai prisons are renowned for their appalling conditions and treatment of prisoners. The cells are often so overcrowded that inmates reportedly have to take turns sleeping at night because there is not enough space for all to lie down simultaneously. The sanitation is non-existent, disease is rife and the guards often have no knowledge of, or care for, human rights. In Bangkok’s notorious BangKwang prison, up to 63% of inmates suffer from mental health problems, and over 11% are suicidal. Most prisoners resort to hard drugs to numb themselves to the horrendous conditions.
4) You should use a keyless lock, or better a wire cage that goes around your whole bag, as soon as you have finished packing, and then avoid leaving it unattended. There have been reports of airport staff smuggling drugs into travellers bags, with the intention of picking them up at the destination country. Be safe, and lock it as soon as you pack it!
5) You cannot, and should not, trust anyone who asks you to carry their bag into another country. Smugglers are clever at hiding drugs in the lining of a bag or elsewhere that is not immediately obvious. They are also very good at targeting potential mules - so be wary of anyone giving you their bag, or even accepting a gift from someone you have only met recently, to take over the border.
6) If you are on prescription medication you should always check with the Thai embassy before you travel to ensure that they are also legal in Thailand (some are not!). If you are carrying prescription drugs, make sure they are packed and labelled correctly and that you have your doctors certificate, prescription or letter. Unmarked or loose tablets floating about in your bag could warrant undue suspicion.
7) Yaa Baa (or as some refer to it, Thai Ecstasy) was made illegal in Thailand in 1970, having previously been sold at petrol stations to truckers who needed it to stay awake. It comes as a brightly coloured orange or green tablet and often carries logos such as "R" or "WY”. Yaa Baa is a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine, and literally translates to mean 'madness drug' - many British travellers have suffered psychiatric problems after taking it. Often available at Full Moon parties in places such as Koh Phangan, there is a misconception that because it is locally sourced and readily available, it is legal. It isn't!
8) Never travel across a border in a car with people you don’t know, or drive across borders with unknown companions. If they are smuggling drugs in the car, you too could be liable for prosecution and could be charged as an accomplice
9) If you hold a British passport, the local police are obliged to contact the British Consulate on your behalf. It is important to remain calm and polite, Thai culture is very disapproving of people 'loosing their cool', shouting and causing a stir will only offend them and may make your situation worse. If you do get arrested for drug-related offences, the British Consul can help, but they can't stop you from being prosecuted. Neither can they get you out of jail or organise for better conditions should you end up in jail.
10) If you are arrested for drugs overseas you will get a criminal record at home. If you are found guilty you will need to provide details of your conviction whenever requested by your employer or insurer. Plus, many countries, including Thailand, will not grant bail before the trial, and may even keep you in solitary confinement until your trial date - which could be a long way away! If you are arrested in Thailand, more than likely you will be permanently barred from visiting the country again on release. That is, of course, providing you do not get the death penalty.
