Two foreigners caught at Suvarnabhumi with around $1.7 million hidden US cash

BANGKOK — 4 October 2026, Customs officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport have detained two foreign passengers arriving from Jakarta after finding about $1.7 million (about 56 million baht) hidden in their luggage.

Customs Department Director-General Phanthong Loykulnant and Nuntita Sirikup, an adviser on customs control-system development, instructed officers to intensify searches and interception efforts, particularly for cash concealed by air passengers.

Santhanee Pairattanakorn, director of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Customs Office, said the two foreign passengers were searched on 30 September after arriving from Jakarta, Indonesia. Officers found US dollar banknotes worth more than 56 million baht concealed in their baggage.

The passengers are accused of violating Finance Ministry regulations on foreign-exchange controls, as well as rules governing the transfer or transport of Thai currency, foreign currency and negotiable instruments into or out of Thailand. The case also involves the Currency Act, the Customs Act and other related laws.

The seizure followed an order from Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas for Customs Department officers to step up checks on Thai and foreign currency, as well as negotiable instruments, entering or leaving the country. The measures are intended to prevent cross-border cash smuggling and possible international money laundering.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Customs Office said it has stepped up monitoring and inspections of high-risk passengers to prevent the continued smuggling of cash across borders.

The department reminded travellers carrying Thai currency, foreign currency or negotiable instruments into or out of Thailand to comply fully with the relevant rules and laws. Further information is available from Customs Department offices nationwide or its hotline, 1164.