Khat → Thailand

Khat prohibited; penalties for import

Details

Khat prohibited; penalties for import. Enforcement in Thailand carries fines from THB 50,000 to THB 500,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years in aggravated cases under Customs Act B.E. 2560 s.242-244; Narcotics Act. Because khat is prohibited rather than restricted, there is no permit route for an ordinary traveller — attempted import is treated as smuggling regardless of intent. Arrival checks are carried out by Thai Customs Department; when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving Thailand with khat is a separate question: prohibited — Khat is a controlled substance in Thailand — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Leaving with this item

Khat is a controlled substance in Thailand — cathinone scheduling means there is no lawful personal export.

Practical advice

Do not carry khat (Catha edulis), fresh or dried, into Thailand. Thai Customs treats it as a controlled drug; carriage triggers seizure plus possible criminal charge under the local misuse-of-drugs statute. There is no permit pathway for personal use.

Customs authority

Thai Customs Department · https://www.customs.go.th