Jail, fine or both: Thailand warns inbound travellers about sneaking in cheap fruit
- Thais and foreign tourists who bring fresh fruits into the country without a permit face jail time and a fine of around US$580
- The warning targets inbound travellers from South Korea and Japan, where fresh fruits like persimmons and grapes cost less than in Thailand
The Department of Agriculture reminded Thais and international travellers that they require a phytosanitary certificate when carrying fruits from abroad.
The agency added that passengers who violate the Plant Quarantine Act are subject to a fine of 20,000 baht (US$584), a one-year prison term or both.
“This is a travel season in Thailand when we have many tourists from Thailand and outside, especially those who come back from South Korea and Japan.
“They like to buy fresh fruits like persimmons and grapes, which are cheaper than in Thailand, while returning to the country. We would like to warn them that this behaviour could be against the law without them being aware of it or intending to do it,” said Rapeephat Chantarasriwong, the department’s chief.
Rapeephat also said the illegal produce would be taken away and destroyed at a high temperature to prevent any risk of pathogens impairing the Thai agricultural sector, the KhaoSod news website reported. He added the agriculture ministry and airport officials are working on plans to implement the rule.
Officials said Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport has frequently seized unauthorised fresh fruits and vegetables from inbound travellers.
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Earlier this month, an Australian tourist was detained at Phuket airport for attempting to import papaya and coconut without the required documents.
Last year, a couple from Britain was intercepted at Bangkok airport for trying to smuggle in mangoes stashed inside their luggage.
Thailand received 11.15 million foreign visitors in 2022, a surge from just about 428,000 the previous year when pandemic-related travel restrictions were in place, according to the tourism ministry.
The kingdom is expecting 25 million international tourists this year.
