Police arrested Cambodian vendors illegally selling herbal opioid-like drinks in Thailand.

Tourist police detained Jinda Rin, 34, Kim Yodyuen, 17, and Samoth Rin, 22, who were hawking kratom potions at three stalls along Oi Thawon Thawat 1 Road in Bangkok on November 8.


Police Colonel Songwut Chueaplakit, chief of the Tourist Police investigation division, said: 'The suspects will be charged with illegal entry into Thailand, working in the country without permits, and selling a regulated substance without a license.'

The trio were handed over to the Huamark Police Station to face legal action.

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves, which have psychoactive properties, act as both stimulant and sedative, and are used in traditional medicine in the region.

Kratom was made legal in Thailand in August 2021, when the government removed it from the list of controlled narcotics. However, laws were established to regulate its sale.

Selling kratom leaves and products to children under 18, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers is forbidden, with a fine of up to 30,000 baht. (673 GBP)

Those selling kratom products at educational institutions, dormitories, public parks, zoos, and amusement parks, as well as from vending machines, may be fined up to 50,000 baht. (1,122 GBP)

While importing or exporting kratom leaves without permission may be punishable with up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of 100,000 baht. (2,245 GBP)

Advertising kratom mixed with psychotropic substances for recreational purposes carries a penalty of up to two years in jail and a fine of up to 200,000 baht. (4,490 GBP)

(1 GBP = 44.54 THB)