Brits carrying a common item in one popular country could be jailed, the government has warned. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its guidance this week to warn travellers about the risks of carrying or using playing cards and drones in Thailand.
The FCDO warned that carrying more than 120 playing cards could result in a fine or imprisonment, and improper drone usage could result in five years in prison. Most gambling is strictly forbidden in Thailand, and only state-controlled horse racing, the lottery, and betting on some sports are permitted. Any involvement in gambling within the country is strongly advised against.
The FCDO warned: “Thailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment.”
Thailand also has strict regulations on drones, and improper usage could result in five years’ imprisonment. Flying without registration is strictly forbidden, and every drone must be registered within a timeframe.
The FCDO wrote: “It is illegal to fly a drone in Thailand if it is not registered. You must register your drone with Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of entering Thailand or purchasing a drone in Thailand even if you do not intend to fly it.
“The regulations apply to all drones, including those for recreational use. The fine for an unregistered drone with the NBTC is 100,000 baht or five years imprisonment or both.”
The advice comes seven months after British tourists were among seven arrested at an illegal gambling den in Pattaya, Thailand, on January 6. Immigration officers and tourist police raided the building following reports of a gambling den disguised as a bar.
The tourists, as well as five Thai natives working at the casino, were arrested and taken to the police station.
Contrasting UK law, in Thailand it is also forbidden to smoke in public, and carrying or using e-cigarettes is illegal. It can be illegal to post images of people drinking alcohol or wearing clothing “considered inappropriate”.