On 2 May 2025, Mr. Bancha Yuenyongchongcharoen, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Royal Thai Embassy, Seoul, had a discussion with Mr. Cho Moon-Ki, Director of Int'l Investigation Division, Korea Customs Service (KCS), to promote Thailand-ROK cooperation on prevention and suppression of narcotic drug and reducing the number of Thais who commit drug-related offenses in the ROK. Mrs. Kanticha, Head of the Consular Section, also participated in the meeting.

The Royal Thai Embassy, Seoul, has learnt from KCS that so far foreigners, including Thais have brought into the ROK medicines, such as decongestants, cough relief, anti-anxiety medications which contain substances classified as narcotics under the ROK law. Such actions, whether without knowing or with intention are considered criminal offenses under the laws of the ROK with severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to 100 million KRW (around 2.3 million baht).

The Royal Thai Embassy would like to warn Thai nationals to avoid bringing the listed medications (attached herewith) into the ROK, as the penalties are severe. Patients can consult with doctors in the ROK to obtain alternative medications with similar therapeutic effects.

The Royal Thai Embassy has proposed that the KCS to notify all ten airlines operating flights between Thailand and the ROK to inform passengers of these regulations prior to check-in for departure from Thailand.