BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai Customs officers have arrested two foreign passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport after finding US dollar banknotes worth more than 56 million baht hidden inside their luggage. The two passengers arrived from Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 30, when officers from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Control Customs Office conducted a search and discovered the cash concealed in their baggage.
The arrests follow instructions from Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas for the Customs Department to increase controls on Thai currency, foreign currency and negotiable instruments entering or leaving Thailand. The measures are intended to prevent illegal cross-border movement of funds and activities that could be linked to international money laundering.
Customs officials said they have increased surveillance and inspections of passengers considered high-risk, particularly those travelling through international airports. The passengers were found to have violated regulations governing the movement of Thai and foreign currency across Thailand’s borders under the Currency Exchange Control Act, relevant Finance Ministry regulations and the Customs Act.
Authorities said anyone bringing Thai baht, foreign currency or negotiable instruments into or out of Thailand must comply with the applicable declaration and legal requirements. The Customs Department reminded travellers that further information is available from customs offices and checkpoints nationwide or through the Customs Department hotline at 1164.
