Thailand's drug reputation threatens tourism and OECD bid

A Thai Airways flight attendant was caught smuggling 1.8kg of heroin through Melbourne Airport, reviving Thailand's outdated drug reputation. The UN's regional office in Bangkok released a report on Tuesday detailing the worsening transnational crime situation, noting that the Golden Triangle remains the main production and trafficking hub. Seizures of methamphetamine and ketamine have skyrocketed, with weak government and limited law enforcement access blamed. Co-author Inshik Sim predicted the Southeast Asian model will be replicated globally. Heroin from Southeast Asia is rising, filling a gap from the Taliban's crackdown in Afghanistan. Thailand's government, trying to attract high-spending tourists and apply to join the OECD, faces a kneejerk crackdown with K9 sniffer dogs at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The incident feeds frustration among Thai travelers facing suspicion abroad. Thailand's cannabis law liberalization in 2022 has added to its woes, with foreign weed smokers getting caught. A new measure in June fines up to 30,000 baht (€780) for contraband, but is unlikely to deter. The author argues Thailand's tolerance is a strength, but the drug reputation harms its brand.