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Thailand
This Week in AsiaHealth & Environment

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

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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. Photo: EPA-EFE
SCMP’s Asia desk
Thailand has warned both foreign visitors and its citizens, particularly those returning from South Korea and Japan, that those who bring fresh fruits into the country without a valid permit would face jail time.
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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.

Tourists on a sampan ride past a fruit vendor at a floating market in Thailand. Photo: Bloomberg
Tourists on a sampan ride past a fruit vendor at a floating market in Thailand. Photo: Bloomberg

“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.

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“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.

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