American travellers are being warned to check their luggage carefully before flying abroad, after Thailand introduced tougher customs penalties for cannabis possession. US officials say bringing cannabis products across international borders remains illegal in many countries, and Thailand's new policy means offenders could now face up to 10 years in prison and fines of $15,000, a significant escalation that catches out travellers who may assume looser attitudes towards the drug still apply.

The warning comes despite Thailand having partially decriminalised cannabis in 2022, a move that had made the country a popular destination for recreational users. Officials and experts are urging tourists not to be misled by that earlier liberalisation, stressing that possession, especially at airports and border crossings, is now treated far more severely under the revised rules. Fox News notes the advisory follows wider concerns about high-potency THC products and consumer safety, with US officials framing the message as a straightforward caution: check local laws before travelling, as a single oversight could result in a lengthy prison sentence and a substantial financial penalty.