At least 11 French nationals, who were arrested in Thailand with cannabis in their luggage, claimed they were deceived into carrying “locked bags” in exchange for free holidays.
France’s National Police told French broadcaster RTL that 11 French nationals had been arrested in Thailand after cannabis was discovered in their luggage. The suspects were charged with attempting to smuggle drugs out of the country, with some remaining in police custody under stricter rules now being applied.
French media reported that people previously arrested after cannabis was found in their luggage could initially return to France while the cannabis was confiscated as evidence. Under the newer rules, however, suspects who fail to pay a fine at the customs office can be detained while awaiting trial.
According to RTL, the reported fine is 30,000 baht, or around 790 euros, for one kilogramme of cannabis. Cannabis smuggling can carry a prison sentence of between two and 10 years.
French media outlets also reported claims from the families of several of those arrested that their relatives had fallen victim to the “Thailand plan” trick.
According to the families, criminal gangs offered travellers free holidays in Thailand in exchange for bringing luggage back to France. The travellers were allegedly told that the bags contained mobile phones, but the luggage instead contained large quantities of cannabis.
AFP reported that a 20 year old French national was arrested during his return journey in June. Thai airport officials found 16.8 kilogrammes of cannabis inside locked luggage that the man said he did not have the password to open.
The man told investigators that his trip to Thailand was funded by someone who contacted him through Snapchat. The report did not establish whether he knew what was inside the luggage.
French media also reported that two other French nationals were arrested in Hong Kong after cannabis was found in luggage they unknowingly carried from Thailand.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs urged French citizens to monitor changes to Thailand’s cannabis laws and comply with local regulations. The ministry is also following the cases of French nationals being held in Thailand and providing consular assistance.
The ministry said an investigation would be conducted into the reported “Thailand plan” scheme to identify the people allegedly behind the operation and any wider network involved.
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