Thai Cops And Mushroom Testing: What's The Deal?

Thailand has strict laws regarding narcotics, and magic mushrooms, which contain the psychoactive substance psilocybin, are illegal to possess and use recreationally. However, recent regulatory changes have reclassified psilocybin mushrooms as Category 5 narcotics, allowing their use for medical treatment and research. While some sources indicate that mushrooms are openly sold in stores and bars, others warn of scams where shopkeepers collude with police to extort customers. It is unclear how prevalent testing for mushrooms is among Thai police, but possession can lead to arrest and fines.

Explore related products

Prime Screen [5 Pack] 6 Panel Urine Drug Test Kit (THC-Marijuana, BZO-Benzos, MET-Meth, OPI, AMP, COC), WDOA-264

$9.49

Exploro Highly Sensitive at Home Marijuana Drug Test Kit, THC Drug Test Kit Marijuana/Weed, THC Drug Test Urine, Easy Home Drug Test Marijuana/THC Substance Abuse, 15 THC Test Strips/Sticks, 50 ng/ml

$9.99

Identify Diagnostics Drug Test Cups | 5 Pack | 12 Panel CLIA Waived Instant Urine Marijuana Drug Test Kit for AMP,BAR,BUP,BZO,COC,MDMA,MET,MOP|OPI,MTD,OXY,PCP,THC

$21.79

[5 pack] Prime Screen 14 Panel Urine Drug Test Cup - Instant Testing Marijuana (THC),OPI,AMP, BAR, BUP, BZO, COC, mAMP, MDMA, MTD, OXY, PCP, PPX, TCA

$21.99

Prime Screen-12 Panel Multi Drug Urine Test Compact Cup (THC 50, AMP,BAR,BUP,BZO,COC,mAMP/MET,MDMA,MOP/OPI,MTD,OXY,PCP) C-Cup-[1 Pack]

$5.99 $7.99

Easy@Home 5 Panel Urine Drug Test Kit [5 Pack] - THC/Marijuana, Cocaine, OPI/Opiates, AMP, BZO All Drugs Testing Strips in One Kit - at Home Use Screening Test with Results in 5 Mins #EDOAP-754

$10.99

Magic mushrooms are illegal in Thailand, but they are sold openly in stores

In Thailand, magic mushrooms are classified as a Category 5 narcotic, which means that their possession, sale, and consumption are illegal and can lead to severe punishments, including long-term imprisonment and significant fines. Despite this, some establishments in Thailand, particularly in Pattaya, have been reported to sell magic mushrooms openly, especially after the decriminalization of marijuana.

In 2021, magic mushrooms were downgraded from illegal narcotics status in Thailand, which led to their increased visibility and sale in stores. However, it is important to note that this does not mean they are legal. In fact, purchasing magic mushrooms from these establishments can result in severe consequences. There have been reports of shops selling magic mushrooms alongside legal cannabis products, and once a buyer leaves the shop, the seller reports them to the police, who then split the shakedown cash with the shop.

The Thai authorities take drug offenses very seriously, and foreigners caught with illegal substances are not exempt from prosecution. The sporadic enforcement of laws in Thailand may give the impression that magic mushrooms exist in a legal grey area, but under Thai law, they remain fully illegal. The climate in Thailand allows magic mushrooms to grow naturally, but this does not make them safe or legal for consumption.

While magic mushrooms are currently illegal in Thailand, there have been recent regulatory changes that pave the way for their use in medical treatment and research. In April 2024, Thailand's Minister of Public Health reclassified psilocybin mushrooms as Category 5 narcotics that can be used for medical treatment. This reclassification allows patients to access newly developed medicines containing psilocybin. However, it is important to note that there is still a long process before these substances can be widely used in medical treatment or clinical studies.

Cops are often complicit in scams involving the sale of mushrooms to tourists

In Thailand, magic mushrooms are classified as Category 5 narcotics, which are prohibited for possession and use. However, in 2024, Thailand's Minister of Public Health issued a notification that reclassified psilocybin mushrooms as Category 5 narcotics that can be used for medical treatment and research. Despite this regulatory change, psilocybin mushrooms remain heavily regulated and cannot be used without conditions.

While the sale of magic mushrooms is illegal in Thailand, there are reports of tourists being scammed into buying them. In some cases, sellers will offer mushrooms for sale, and as soon as the buyer leaves the shop, the seller will call the police, who are often complicit in the scam. The police will then shake down the buyer for an exorbitant fee, which is then split between the police and the seller. This scam is particularly prevalent in areas like Pattaya, where illegal activities often occur in plain sight of the police.

One Reddit user describes their experience with this scam, stating that they were offered mushrooms for sale outside of Bangkok. They were told that it was part of a scam run with the cops and that as soon as they left the shop, the seller would call the police. The user warns others not to buy mushrooms unless they really trust the seller, as it is still very illegal and can result in arrest and hefty fines.

While the involvement of the police in this scam cannot be confirmed, it is clear that there is a risk in purchasing magic mushrooms in Thailand. Tourists who choose to engage in this activity do so at their own risk and should be aware of the potential consequences, including arrest, fines, and incarceration. It is important to note that even if the police are not directly involved in the scam, they may still enforce the law and punish those found in possession of illegal substances.

Mushrooms are classified as a Category 5 narcotic, alongside opium and kratom

In Thailand, the Narcotics Act B.E. 2522 (1979) classifies narcotics into five categories. Category 5 consists of narcotics that do not fall under categories 1 to 4, such as cannabis, kratom, and magic mushrooms.

On February 8, 2022, the Ministry of Public Health ("MOPH"), with the approval of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board ("ONCB"), issued a notification to prescribe the list of narcotics under Category 5. This notification included opium, magic mushrooms, and extracts from the cannabis or hemp plant. The removal of cannabis from Category 5 was intended to promote its use as a cash crop in Thailand's emerging global consumption trends in the food and beverage market.

On April 23, 2024, Thailand's Minister of Public Health issued another notification regarding Category 5 narcotics. This notification affected psilocybin mushrooms, opium poppy, and other plants from which opium, opium alkaloids, psilocybin, or psilocin can be derived. As a result, these substances are now classified as Category 5 narcotics that can be used for medical treatment.

It is important to note that the manufacture, import, export, sale, possession, and use of narcotics in Thailand are generally prohibited without permission. However, exemptions may be granted for specific purposes, such as medical, educational, or scientific research.

Explore related products

5 Panel Drug Test Kit for All Drugs - AMP, COC, MET, OPI,THC - 1 Pack

$7.99

Residue Detection Multi-Drug Test Kit - Rapid Surface Residue Detector

$12.97

Exploro 5 Panel Drug Test Kit – at Home Urine Drug Test for THC, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines & Benzodiazepines – Rapid & Accurate & Easy at Home Drug Testing Strips (Pack of 2)

$2.55 $4.49

Prime Screen 14 Panel Urine Drug Test Cup Instant Testing Marijuana (THC),OPI,AMP, BAR, BUP, BZO, COC, mAMP, MDMA, MTD, OXY, PCP, PPX, TCA [1 Pack]

$7.99

3 Pack - DrugExam THC Advantage Made in USA Multi Level Marijuana Urine Test Kit. Highly Sensitive THC 5 Level Drug Test Kit. Detects at 15 ng/mL, 20 ng/mL, 50 ng/mL, 200 ng/mL and 300 ng/mL (3)

$14.99

Exploro 5 Panel Drug Test Kit – at Home Urine Drug Screen for THC, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP – Federal 5 Standard with Quick Results for Pre-Employment & Personal Use (Pack of 5)

$4.49 $7.99

Thailand permits the use of mushrooms for medical purposes and research

Thailand has recently made progressive strides in its approach to the use of mushrooms for medical purposes and research. Previously, the possession and use of category 5 narcotics, including psilocybin mushrooms, were prohibited under Thailand's Narcotic Code. However, in a regulatory change that took effect on April 23, 2024, the country's Minister of Public Health issued a notification reclassifying specific substances.

This notification, known as the "Ministerial Notification Re: Category 5 Narcotics Which Are Not Cannabis or Hemp Extract and Whose Consumption is Permitted for Treatment of Disease or for Research Purposes," has had a significant impact on the regulatory landscape. The notification specifically affects psilocybin mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer), opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L. and Papaver bracteatum Lindl.), and other plants from which opium, opium alkaloids, psilocybin, or psilocin can be derived.

As a result of this change, these substances are now categorized as Category 5 narcotics, which can be used in medical treatment. This reclassification is particularly important as it removes the legal barriers that previously hindered patients' access to newly developed medicines containing these substances. It also paves the way for pharmaceutical research into derivatives of psilocybin mushrooms and opium, fostering the development of innovative drugs within this category.

It is worth noting that the regulatory change does not imply unconditional approval for the use of psilocybin mushrooms and opium. There are still rigorous processes in place to ensure their proper use in medical treatment and clinical studies. Additionally, the importation of medicinal drug formulations containing these substances remains prohibited. Nonetheless, Thailand's decision to permit the use of psilocybin mushrooms and opium for medical purposes and research demonstrates a progressive approach that prioritizes patient access to novel treatments and supports the advancement of pharmaceutical research in this field.

A British tourist died in Chiang Mai, Thailand, after consuming suspected magic mushrooms

On December 20, 2024, 25-year-old British tourist Vadher Raj Akhil died in Chiang Mai, Thailand, after consuming suspected magic mushrooms. Akhil was on a Christmas break with his girlfriend when he allegedly bought the hallucinogenic drug from a shop in Chiang Mai. About 40 minutes after consuming the mushrooms, Akhil began frothing at the mouth and collapsed from a fatal attack at the luxury resort in the Mae Rim district where he and his girlfriend were staying. Medics arrived at the resort and questioned his partner, who admitted that they had bought the mushrooms over the counter from a nearby cannabis shop called The Glory Days.

An investigation revealed that Akhil had died from an overdose of the mushrooms, and authorities organized a sting operation, sending an undercover officer posing as a customer into the store to purchase the mushrooms. The drugs squad then raided the shop and arrested the owner, Khun Ploy (also known as Paul), who admitted to selling the mushrooms to Akhil. Ploy was charged with 'selling and possessing Category 5 narcotics without permission,' which carries a minimum jail term of two years and a maximum of 10 years, along with a substantial fine.

While magic mushrooms were previously illegal in Thailand, there has been a recent regulatory change. In April 2024, Thailand's Minister of Public Health reclassified psilocybin mushrooms as Category 5 narcotics, which can be applied in medical treatment. However, this does not mean that psilocybin mushrooms can be used without conditions, and there is still a long process before they can be used in medical treatment or clinical studies.

Thai police have the authority to conduct drug tests and order individuals to undergo "on-the-spot" drug tests under the provisions of the fifth amendment of the Narcotics Act. Those who violate narcotic or psychotropic substances laws will be subject to punishment according to the Acts and as deemed appropriate by the Thai court, including fines and incarceration.

Frequently asked questions