Cannabis and Driving in Thailand: DUI Laws and Penalties to Know
October 15, 2025
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The topic of a cannabis DUI in Thailand is one every tourist and expat must take with the utmost seriousness. While cannabis is available for medical use, the moment you get behind the wheel of a car or scooter, the rules change dramatically and the consequences become severe. Driving high in Thailand is illegal, and ignorance of the law is no defense.
Unlike the clear-cut rules for alcohol, the legal situation for weed and driving in Thailand has a critical grey area that can easily trap uninformed drivers. This guide will provide the sobering truth about the laws, the non-existent Thailand THC driving limit, police procedures, and the life-altering penalties you could face.
This is the most crucial question, and the answer is simple: No, there is currently no specific, legally defined blood or saliva THC concentration limit for driving a private vehicle in Thailand.
This is not good news for drivers. While alcohol DUIs are based on a clear blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% (50mg per 100ml of blood), the marijuana DUI laws in Thailand operate differently. They fall under Section 43 of the Land Traffic Act, which prohibits driving under the influence of “alcohol or other intoxicants.” Cannabis is legally considered one of those “other intoxicants.”
Because there is no number to measure against, the decision of whether you are impaired is left to the discretion of law enforcement and the courts. This means that if you are pulled over and police have reason to believe you are impaired by cannabis, you can be charged with a cannabis DUI in Thailand, regardless of how little you consumed or how long ago you consumed it.
If a police officer at a checkpoint or during a traffic stop suspects you are driving high in Thailand, they have the authority to test you.
Initial Observation: Police will look for signs of impairment, such as erratic driving, slow reaction times, the smell of cannabis, or physical signs like red eyes and confusion.
Field Sobriety Tests: You may be asked to perform standard field sobriety tests, similar to those used for alcohol.
Mandatory Testing: If they have reasonable suspicion, you will be required to undergo a drug test. This is typically a urine test conducted at the police station or a designated medical facility. In some cases, a blood test may be ordered.
Refusal is Guilt: Refusing to submit to a drug test is a serious mistake. Under Thai law, refusal is considered an immediate admission of guilt for a cannabis DUI in Thailand, and you will face the same penalties as if you had tested positive.
The penalties for driving under the influence of an intoxicant are identical to those for drunk driving and they are not taken lightly. For foreigners, these consequences can be especially harsh.
Standard DUI (No Accident):
Imprisonment: Up to 1 year in jail.
Fine: ฿5,000 to ฿20,000.
License Suspension: For a minimum of 6 months.
DUI Causing Injury to Another Person:
Imprisonment: 1 to 5 years in jail.
Fine: ฿20,000 to ฿100,000.
License Suspension: For a minimum of 1 year.
DUI Causing Death:
Imprisonment: 3 to 10 years in jail.
Fine: ฿60,000 to ฿200,000.
Immediate License Revocation.
For foreigners, a conviction for a cannabis DUI in Thailand can also lead to your visa being revoked and deportation upon completion of your sentence, along with being blacklisted from re-entering the country.
Thailand has some of the most dangerous roads in the world, and there is very little public tolerance for any behavior that makes them more hazardous. While cultural attitudes towards the medical use of cannabis have relaxed, the view on weed and driving high in Thailand remains extremely negative. It is seen as a reckless act that endangers the community. The police are under constant pressure to crack down on impaired driving, and they make no distinction between alcohol and cannabis.
The risk is never worth the ride. If you plan on consuming cannabis, do not drive. Period. Thailand offers numerous safe and affordable alternatives.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Grab, Bolt, and InDrive are widely available in most cities and tourist areas. They are reliable, affordable, and the safest way to get around after consumption.
Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews: For shorter distances, these iconic local transport options are readily available.
Reputable Taxis: Always use a metered taxi or agree on a fair price before you begin your journey.
Your vacation or life in Thailand can be ruined in an instant by a bad decision. Always separate cannabis consumption from driving.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding the topic of cannabis DUI in Thailand and is not a substitute for legal advice. Laws and enforcement practices can change.
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