In Thailand, the importation of fruit may face prison

Thai authorities reminded tourists about the consequences of importing fresh fruit into the country.

According to the Thai Ministry of Agriculture, importing fresh fruit into the country without a phytosanitary certificate can result in a fine of 20,000 baht ($580) or even a one-year prison sentence. Fruits are seized and destroyed.

This law applies to both local residents and foreigners.

The ministry noted that now many Thais are returning home, they bring with them, for example, persimmons and grapes, which are cheaper abroad than in Thailand. Citizens are warned about the consequences.

The ministry also recalled a number of cases when foreigners tried to import fruit into the country: in June 2022, the British wanted to import mangoes, in October of the same year, Malaysians with durian were detained, and in April of this year, an Australian tourist was arrested for attempting to import papaya and coconut.