More than 5 Tonnes of Cannabis Seized in Bangkok after Residents’ Complaints
More than 5 Tonnes of Cannabis Seized in Bangkok after Residents’ Complaints
BANGKOK, October 20, 2026 — Thai immigration police have seized more than five tonnes of cannabis flowers from a rented house in Bangkok and detained five foreign nationals suspected of involvement in a large-scale cannabis sorting and packing operation.
The raid was conducted at about 1pm on October 19 at a three-storey detached house in Soi Khu Bon 27, Soi 14, in the Tha Raeng area of Bang Khen district. Police launched an investigation after residents complained about a strong cannabis smell coming from the property.
Five Foreign Workers Found Sorting Cannabis
Police said officers found one Vietnamese national and four Myanmar nationals inside the house sorting cannabis flowers for packaging and delivery to customers.
The four Myanmar workers reportedly told investigators they were paid between 200 and 300 baht per day. Investigators suspect the Vietnamese national may have supervised the operation, which appeared to function under a company-style management system.
Large quantities of cannabis flowers stored in plastic bags were discovered across all three floors. Officers also found an air-ventilation system apparently designed to carry odours outside the building.
The approximately 100-square-wah property had reportedly been used for accommodation, sorting and packaging for more than a year. Police said a Thai national had signed the rental agreement before the foreign workers moved in.
Licence Did Not Cover Bangkok Operations
According to Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, authorities gathered evidence for about two months before conducting the raid.
Officials from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine joined the operation. The seized cannabis will undergo laboratory testing to determine whether it was cultivated in Thailand or imported from abroad.
Oranong Srisuwan, a senior legal officer, said permission is required for the sale, processing or export of cannabis flowers under Thailand’s Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act B.E. 2542.
She said the licence associated with the operation had been issued in Nong Bua Lamphu province and did not cover activities conducted in Bangkok.
The alleged offence carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.
Authorities Expand Investigation
The operation was ordered by national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma. Immigration police are continuing to investigate the source of the cannabis, its intended customers and others who may have been involved.
Authorities are also examining possible connections to additional individuals from Myanmar, Vietnam and China.
Police have not yet announced the full findings of the investigation, including the origin of the seized cannabis and the identities of any other suspected participants.
