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How can my friend remove a 99 year blacklist from Thailand after being arrested for marijuana?

Feb 14, 2025
7 days ago
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, my Canadian friend was arrested and blacklisted for marijuana before it was legal here. This is more than five years ago.

He was told that it was 5 year blacklist but when he tried to come back after 5 years he was denied entry and told that it was 99 year blacklist.

He would love to come back here to visit his wife and son. Is there any road to potentially getting this blacklist removed? What can he do? Thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Canadian man was blacklisted for marijuana possession in Thailand and is now seeking ways to have the 99-year entry ban revoked. Despite the decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand, the blacklist remains. Recommendations from the community include contacting a Thai immigration lawyer, gathering evidence of rehabilitation, and potentially utilizing connections to navigate the legal system. Some users suggest alternatives such as meeting family in neighboring countries to circumvent the blacklist.
CANNABIS/WEED RESOURCES / SERVICES
David **********
They let people out of jail and even gave back the same amount of cannabis that was taken from them when arrested. Seems you need to talk to a Thai lawyer!
Umair *******
Friend is returning to Thailand
Ingvar *******
It's up to the Thai king to give him a new chance. Wright a polite letter maybe an option.
Alistair ********
Did he get high?
Frankie *******
Write to a thai embassy in your country n talk to them n see what they can do
Kelvin **********
the interesting thing about thai law is it says "at the time" so st the time the crime was committed then the penalty applies. There is no if or buts. it is very clear
Frank **********
Get new hands transplanted for new biometrics. Just make sure they don't belong to a criminal.
Daniel ********
Would be no different than any other country, he'll need a local lawyer to contact immigration requesting they reassess his entry ban based on local law changes. There's no guarantee though because they're not obligated to undo any previous bans or convictions that happened before the laws changed, if they did it'd also be
*****
if he got restricted entry ie, 60 day tourist visa only. He just has to make his case and hope he gets the outcome he wants
David **********
Lucky it was Thailand and not Indonesia
Phil ********
@David *********
Not a truer word spoken.
Jo **********
realistically he needs to pay money and everything will be ok
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
to who? That’s the problem. How to find the person.
Jo **********
@Jason ******
yes really good question need to go to lawyer he will then go to the right authority and negotiate with them. It’s more difficult in his case as it’s immigration. I know many people who got caught by police, then they just paid off the police. find a lawyer
Cubi ******
Bummer
Jay ***********
He will be welcomed back with loving arms after his next reincarnation.
Muchlis ********
If the reason only for meet up with wife and son, he can simply bring them to his country.

Or meet up at neighbourhood countries such as malaysia, singapore, vietnam, etc
Kool *******
Most likely he got caught selling, not just using, and why the blacklisting. That will be very difficult, and expensive, to remedy.
Tommy ********
Can cross land border if you know how
Ronald *********
@Tommy *******
Shot on site. Taskin's Law.
Tommy ********
@Ronald ********
what is Taskin?

Any relation to redskin?
Øyvind *************************
Welcome to Cambodia..easy safe and weed is available
Paul ***********
No because the legalization laws will not be applied retrospectively
Scott *********
Bring her an kid to Canada
Scott *********
5 years an not divorced yet
Baz *********
Tell your friend to fly into Cambodia and get his wife and son to meet him there for a visit for a few days.

His Thai wife should be able to easily enter Cambodia and he should have no problem either..

The only other option would be contact a Thailand lawyer expert in immigration law and try to obtain a visa though them..
Ricky ********
Go vietnam and sneak across border like a mexican
Greg ***********
@Ricky *******
Thailand doesn't have a border with Vietnam
Ricky ********
@Greg **********
oh ok . Then be a long walk 😆
Matthew *********
@Ricky *******
it's still pretty dam close
Jeff *********
Perhaps they have a pardon system, but probably with cash involved 😂. How TF did you get caught? Glad I had Thai friends to teach me the rules, as I smoked as well before legalization there. Surprised you didn’t go to jail with out trying to pay them to get off. Think you be looking at about 50K Baht in 2018. Don’t have it, don’t fuck around
Judi *******
In Thai 5 yrs could mean 100 yrs it's Thailand there law then 👌
Joe ********
It looks like you got some good advice, and the usual miserable pricks. Whatever happens, I just want to say I hope it works out for your friend.
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe *******
thank you bro 😎 your comment is appreciated and spot on! He’s hopeful it can work out. I’m doing my best from the inside here. He’s currently in Cambodia.
Tez ******
5kg of M is life sentence.
Ome *****
Sex change maybe?
David **********
Get a lawyer son

Get a real good one

That speaks Thai.
Charles ********
I’m not sure if it’s allowed on a post like this. But you can try Thai Law online. They have a Facebook page and easy to reach, and they are multilingual. They may be able to help you.
Mark ******
A half-way decent immigration lawyer/agent should be able to resolve this for your friend.
Paul ********
@Mark *****
yep. Engage a lawyer. They will tell you if it is possible and more importantly how much it will cost
Greta *****
You do the crime you do the time. You smoke the crack you get the sack
Greta *****
@Mark *****
Or....A corrupted lawyer who has connections in the right places...
Lee ***********
If he gets a flight to Vientiane, he can make his way south from there and follow the river Mekong to Ban Dong Sa, you can swim across from there. Good luck 🤞🏼 🙏🏼
Steve *******
@Lee **********
Or go even further South to Champasak and walk across the border, much easier than swimming 😂😂😂
Neil ******
Sure there is.... simply rewind time and don't do illegal shit in Thailand. Can't exactly blame them. He's actually lucky he's not locked up there now since tbh.
Matthew *********
@Neil *****
says the person who probably been to Nana plaza a million times 😲
Neil ******
@Matthew ********
never even heard of it tbh
Uwe ****
Get an agent and bypass immigration... people smoke marijuana now everywhere... Thai law is really just that stupid... it makes no sense... maybe that's the reason no one gives a shxx
Frank **********
@Uwe ***
will not work as he will not even be able to get in country.
Uwe ****
@Frank *********
Are you envious when people have a better life than you? It's easy to get favors from embassies in SouthEastAsia. But I guess you don't like people enjoy Thailand freely, don't you?
Frank **********
@Uwe ***
stupid comment. You know nothing about my life.
Uwe ****
You are married to a Thai, that's all I need to know. As far as paying an agent to pay a foreign embassy employee...easy...are you really that ignorant? Don't mess with something you know nothing about...otherwise history will repeat itself my dear.
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Uwe ***
any recommendations on where to get an agent for that?
Poul **********
Had a friend who many years ago was deported and blacklisted. He changed his name and arrived under new id. With biometrics now in use, not sure this will work today
Paul ***********
@Poul *********
it will not work... Biometrics, and governments now put new passport info on an international data base.. Ie his new passport would come up as "formally know as" AKA along with old passport details in old name 👍
Tania **********
Should think before…
Dil ********
@Tania *********
should not judge
David *****
@Dil *******
she isn't, that was done five years ago along with the ban.
Paul ********
@Tania *********
Less than helpful advice
Paul ********
@Tania *********
No it’s not helpful. He committed the crime, what was then a crime. He wants to move on.
David *****
@Paul *******
he can, but not to Thailand....
Tania **********
@Paul *******
Really ? so keep on messing with laws here 😊
Carl ********
I thought they released loads of prisoners when weed was made legal
David *****
@Carl *******
and they all lived happily ever after in Phuket
Howard ***********
@Carl *******
That’s different than banning someone from coming back
Paul ***********
Nick ********
I would post on Instagram…the legal advice there is superior
Larry ********
Seeking legal advice on FB is about as humorous as your friend's predicament. Life has consequences.
Gordon *******
If you can't do the time

Don't do the crime
Matthew *********
@Gordon ******
says the one that probably pays for sex. Oh it's illegally in Thailand but Nana plaza exist and I sure you been there plenty of times. 😆
Joe **********
Gordon *******
@Joe *********
You're welcome
Dennis ************
A bit od bcs they realesed everybody from prison who was there for marihuana use
Tin **********
Go via laos
Mickey *************************
I know someone with a very similar problem. He managed to get his 99 year blacklist removed and is currently back in Thailand. If u message me I can give some more information. Goodluck to him and don't worry it is possible.
Vitico ********
@Mickey ************************
just out of curiosity for informational purposes, could you tell us what was the process your friend went through to get that blacklisting removed? If its not something that should be repeated in public then no need to reply, I completely understand
Mickey *************************
@Vitico *******
Hi sure no problem. He submitted an appeal with the help of a legal team. He had to wait for 5 years to pass before he could submit the appeal as he was incarcerated in Thailand for less than 12 months. With regards to the appeal he had to submit evidence for the following:

- that he is financially providing for his 2 sons still living in Thailand during the 5 years.

- he has not committed any more criminal acts during the waiting period!

- he is employed and a stable member of society.

- and that he did not also have an extensive criminal history before the deportation .

- he was suitably rehabilitated during the 5 years of waiting... he was caught with a different substance!
Jason *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mickey ************************
thanks very much for this! Only helpful person here & this is great info 🙏😊👏 I will send you a message
Mickey *************************
@Jason ******
welcome. Happy to help. Message me if I need more info. 🙏
Uwe ****
Westerners never get Thailand. In Thailand the heart rules above everything. On the other hand, when the heart is bad, no law can save you.
Darlene *********
@Uwe ***
YAWNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Uwe ****
Your heart's tired...get some rest, Darlene.
Uwe ****
Money reigns above the law in Thailand. No Westerner likes to hear that - maybe then go back to where the law is cozy and extortive... Easy peasy for this dude...just hire someone with connections. Problem solved!
Mark ******
@Mickey ************************
at last - someone genuinely getting to help.
Matthew *********
Give siam law a call. I think that will be your best advice. You should have your documents if it was a 5 year ban and I have heard after a year you can petition the ban to be reduced. My question would be is that you had 5 years to research the ban lift. You just showed up with out any legal advice.
Matthew *********
@Mark *****
I was thinking the same thing
Donald *********
@Mark *****
after you transfer him some money
Karl ******
Been away for 5 years and wants to come back and see his two year old son
Alison *****************
@Karl *****
you cant read mate
Karl ******
@Alison ****************
no shit Sherlock.
Sheen ************
@Karl *****
the usual pointless comment. Boring
Karl ******
@Sheen ***********
but you replied to it, that's saying a lot about your life.
Tom *********
@Karl *****
where was his age mentioned.
Karl ******
@Tom ********
don't you get it, are you not with a little bit of humour.
Tom *********
@Karl *****
ha ha, stupid comments amuse stupid minds.
Karl ******
@Tom ********
likewise
Tom *********
Ajané **********
@Karl *****
I’m not seeing where it said the son’s age 🤔
Karl ******
@Ajané *********
it's a joke me mate, but let's get real, 5 years
David *****
@Karl *****
I got it and liked it, if we can't laugh at all this dumb shit where would we be....in the immortal words of Fred Dagg aka John Clark.
Ajané **********
@Karl *****
not sure how your “joke” is either helpful or relevant… we don’t know this person or whether or not they’ve visited with each other elsewhere.. maybe they want to be able to come to their family’s HOMELAND and not always have to make extra arrangements.
Bob **********
@Ajané *********
should have thought about that before he got caught
Karl ******
@Ajané *********
it's relevant for sure and if you have no humour that's up to you. Do I need to spell it out for you.
Tony **********
@Ajané *********
nor that his wife didn't visit him
David *****
@Karl *****
some people will believe anything
Tony *********
iv seen video of life in a thai prison.........count your blessings
Neil ******
@Tony ********
my thoughts exactly
Mma *******
Did they not get the memo Mary Jane is now Medicine? The script’s been flipped- come get it!
David ********
@Mma ******
it's a flower 💐 now
Mma *******
@David *******
yeah hahah-
Joe **********
@Mma ******
You're comment is as daft as your name!
Guy **********
Money in brown envelopes solves many problems in Land of Smiles. U just need to know the right people.
Michael ********
@Guy *********
Yes or get a lawyer that knows the right people
Sammy *****
@Guy *********
Another cracked head JERK !!!! 💩👎
Guy **********
@Sammy ****
truth hurts …another keyboard warrior. Fake name …easier to troll
Brian ************
@Guy *********
same in Cambodia, unreal!
Steve *******
@Brian ***********
Same all over the World!
Lim ***********
@Steve ******
definitely not Singapore. 😅
Michael ********
Lawyer up someone like Siam Legal
Kennon *****
Ali ******
does he have written proof they said 5 years?
David ***********
I have to say i agree with the first 2 comments. Why not all meet in a neutral country like Malaysia ?
Jared **********
Imagine deciding to break the law in a foreign country when you have a family, hope it was a good joint
Tom *********
@Jared *********
it I had 1 cent for everybody who smoked weed before decriminalisation, I would be a billionaire.
Wayne ********
@Tom ********
my guess is he had more than personal use consumption, which in Thailand is a very small amount then when over that amount you get charged with intent to distribute.
Tom *********
@Wayne *******
absolutely, 1 joint, would usually mean, a trip to the ATM and at best a 20,000 baht withdrawal.
Jared **********
@Tom ********
all cents and no sense
Tom *********
@Jared *********
Mr judgemental.
Jared **********
@Tom ********
not breaking the law isn’t judgmental, if you don’t like the laws or are unable to follow them than go somewhere else. Maybe you smoked a bit too much 🤷‍♂️
Tom *********
@Jared *********
how about you concern yourself with your business, especially considering I resided in the kingdom. For over 30 years.
Jared **********
@Tom ********
so you’re telling me to concern myself with MY business, while YOU are the one replying to ME? Also i bet the idiot who lost his family for 5 years for smoking pot wishes he took my advice 🙃

Having to tell someone to take their own advice, what a boomer moment
Tom *********
@Jared *********
were you always a sanctimonious individual? Or has it developed recently. As a cancer survivor, canabis contributed enormously in my rapid recovery. It eliminated the two worst post surgery effects. Nausea, and appetite loss. The guy who got 5 years ban, did heaps more than get caught with a joint, after 30 years residence, I have known enough expats, who were caught, none of whom ever faced any type of ban.
Jared **********
@Tom ********
well i guess it’s a good idea you decided to break the law in thailand and not singapore, imagine actually just going where it’s legal if its that detrimental for your life.

“I broke the law but have a good reason”, thats cute
Richard *******
@Jared *********
sanctimonious
Jared **********
@Richard ******
entitled 🙃

Knowingly going to another country where what you want to do, and agree not to do, is illegal and doing it anyway
Richard *******
@Jared *********
it’s legal
Jared **********
@Richard ******
that probably explains why we aren’t talking about it in the present tense, it being legal now is irrelevant to it being illegal before

I’m glad you figured out why Jason is asking this question
Richard *******
@Jared *********
so yesterday it was a crime and you were arrested. Now it is not a crime. All previous convictions should be annulled.
Jared **********
@Richard ******
and yet here we are where that’s not the case, not in thailand or even in the US.

Maybe you should go tell them
Richard *******
@Jared *********
actually past charges were dropped and expunged in the US. Maybe you will learn something when you realize that you don’t know everything .
Jared **********
@Richard ******
SOME of them have been expunged, not all of them. Makes for a pretty poor point.

For someone trying to preach about knowledge it’s a bit ironic you can’t manage to add a single intelligent or relevant sentance

There’s plenty i can learn, just not from you. You are out of strikes my friend, do better next time 🤗
Richard *******
@Jared *********
good, you did a bit of research. Bravo. What happened to “you broke a law you should pay?” Never mind. I don’t care what you think
Jared **********
@Richard ******
i didn’t do any research, it’s all common knowledge there are still people in jail for pot crimes…so what happened to “past charges were dropped and expunged”? When tens of thousands of people are still in jail 🤔 you said “ALL” previous convictions should be annulled????

Ah yes, 5 replies and “you don’t care”, i would give up as well if i couldn’t manage basic comprehension and all my points were incorrect.

We were clearly talking about past tense, and even when you chirped in about present conditions, i specified the difference…you kept talking about something different than the conversation to begin with, so i humored your derailment just to see how dumb you were, and i was not disappointed.

Absolutely hilarious, you are actually incapable of having and intelligent or productive conversation when you can’t even read and comprehend. Oh damn, i forgot, you don’t care 😂
Larry ********
@Jared *********
well said !
Brandon ************
Your friend needs to contact a Thai lawyer
Uwe ****
@Brandon ***********
I really appreciate your group, and your effort and your contributions, Brandon. However, if I may, considering his ban was about Marijuana which is now legal. I think he just needs an "agent" who is well-connected to the higher-ups and who can remove his history. It might be much easier and cost little money...
Brandon ************
@Uwe ***
that's not how it works anywhere when laws are changed. The people were charged for breaking the law. They showed an intent to ignore and flout the law. It doesn't matter what that law was or if it changes, what matters is that they broke the law. There was no amnesty passed at the same time as decriminalization. And if they're willing to break one law, it's likely they're willing to break others.
Uwe ****
I guess we can agree to disagree. It's Thai law now. He was willing to break the law about Marijuana. To say he might break other laws is your conjecture. I think it's far-fetched. So what other laws you think he is going to break? Please think carefully.
David *****
Only 94 years to go, Thailand deserves to have its laws respected.
Corey ******
@David ****
Said the dog with a gun

🔫🐕
David *****
@Corey *****
it's actually a grenade launcher but then in New Zealand you are only allowed spears so an easy mistake for you to make....
Loong *********
@David ****
I agree with you
Frank ******
@David ****
How helpful of you mate and not in the least bit judgmental truly in the spirit of this page with the word ADVISE in it hooray for you
David *****
@Frank *****
could always suggest all the work arounds but where does it stop. The last thing we want is something like the wild west of Australia.
Frank ******
@David ****
weak return serve ya got there
Donald *********
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