British tourists travelling to Thailand are being warned about the risk of being targeted by drug trafficking gangs, which are allegedly offering cash incentives and luxury perks in exchange for smuggling narcotics. The warning, issued in late May 2025, follows recent arrests of British nationals abroad linked to drug-related offences traced back to Thailand.
Criminal networks are reportedly approaching potential recruits both within the United Kingdom and after their arrival in Thailand. According to authorities, these gangs tempt individuals—often young backpackers—with promises of all-expenses-paid holidays, alcohol, and payments of up to £2,000 in return for transporting drugs to the UK or other destinations.
The recruitment schemes appear concentrated in areas popular with foreign tourists, including Samui Island. Some travellers already in Thailand have allegedly been offered large sums to move drugs out of the country. Law enforcement officials caution that some individuals may be misled by Thailand’s 2022 decriminalisation of cannabis, wrongly assuming broader drug leniency.
This growing concern has been underscored by the arrests of British nationals in separate international incidents. On May 11, 18-year-old Bella Culley from County Durham was detained in Georgia for allegedly attempting to transport 14 kilograms of cannabis and hashish from Bangkok. In a separate case, Charlotte May Leek, 21, from South London, was arrested in Sri Lanka after reportedly arriving with cannabis valued at over £1.1 million, also originating from Thailand.
Following these incidents, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel guidance on May 24, reminding visitors that Thailand continues to enforce strict drug laws. The advisory warns that, despite cannabis reforms, the possession and transportation of narcotics remain criminal offences and can lead to severe penalties.
Officials also noted an uptick in British arrests during international transit and a rise in cannabis shipments mailed from Thailand to the UK. Authorities believe organised trafficking networks may be capitalising on misconceptions about drug laws to exploit travellers as unwitting couriers.
While specific officials were not named in the advisory, both Thai and UK authorities are reportedly coordinating efforts to monitor and counter this cross-border threat.
