“A holiday that ends in any of the world’s hardest prison would be any traveller’s worst nightmare” – National Geographic
Drug Laws In South East Asian Countries
Since no one wants to be banged-up abroad. Through this blog, we would like to highlight the draconian drug laws in South East Asia.
Also Read: https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/tv/banged-up-abroad/
You have to read to believe the fate of some drug lawbreakers in these Southeast Asian countries. During the course of my travel in Southeast Asia, many travellers during conversation have revealed that drugs are very easily available and they are beyond the vigil of the cops or the laws. I agree it is easily available, but doesn’t mean you can escape being caught in all instances. Imagine, the situation of being caught in a foreign country with possession of drugs.
Also Read : Drug Laws In South East Asian Countries
I have been approached for drugs at Bangkok, Koh Samui, Langkawi, Kuta, Gili Islands. The wise decision is to turn down saying – “No, I am not interested”.
You never know if the drug peddlers are the informers for cops. In the pretext of selling drugs, they may inform the cops. Instead of the happy high that you are looking for, on the contrary, you may end up being questioned by the cops.
The statement- “Drugs easily available in South East Asian countries,” is just the tip of the iceberg. Getting caught will have serious repercussions and nerve chilling consequences, even death penalty!
Don’t believe us, Read the cases below:
The following visitors to Southeast Asia fought the law, and the law won — with often terminal results to the lawbreakers.
Schapelle Corby – convicted of smuggling almost 10 pounds of marijuana into Bali. She could have received a death penalty — instead, the judge sentenced her to 20 years in prison.
Nguyen Van Tuong – hanged at Singapore’s Changi prison in 2005. He had been caught with 14 ounces of heroin at Changi International Airport during a stopover between Cambodia and Australia. The Singapore government denied the Australian government’s request for clemency.
Read: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Tuong_Nguyen
Bali Nine – An Australian drug ring facing the death penalty for smuggling heroin into Bali. They are being held for attempting to smuggle 18 pounds of heroin into Bali.
Read: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali_Nine
Thailand
The penalty for possession may include a lengthy term in Thai prison and steep fine. Numerous travelers sit behind bars in Thailand. Recreation drugs in Thailand are not legal. In fact, until January 2017, Thai law once allowed for the death penalty for anyone caught carrying, transporting, or using illegal drugs.The penalty for possession may include a lengthy term in Thai prison and steep fine.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, those who sell drugs can be punished with death. Just for possession, you can be fined, jailed, or deported. Driving drunk is also punished harshly in Malaysia.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, drug crimes are taken very seriously. If you are arrested with more than 1.3 pounds of heroin, you will automatically be executed.Thailand
In Thailand, those trafficking narcotics may be put to death. Drug users are frequently sentenced to mandatory rehab.
Singapore
Singaporean police will assume that you are selling drugs if you are caught with relatively small amounts. If you are convicted of selling drugs, you will be sentenced to death.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, you can be sentenced to many years in prison or even life in prison for possessing drugs. Unlike many other South Asian countries, Cambodia does not mandate the death penalty for drug trafficking.
Indonesia
Indonesian drug laws are harsh. If you are caught with marijuana, you can get up to twenty years in jail. Other drugs carry jail terms of up to twelve years, and the sale of drugs is punishable by death.
Laos
If you’re caught with drugs in Laos, you could pay up to $35,000. If you are found with narcotics, you could spend ten years or more in prison.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, drug traffickers are sentenced to death. You may be presumed to be a drug trafficker if you have more than a third of an ounce of a drug in your possession.
Do a bit of homework before you go can make the difference between the vacay of your dreams and a trip to hell on earth.
If you wish to buy The Traveller Trails, travel magazine, here is the link
https://thetravellertrails.in/product/april-2020-edition/
