EXTREME DANGER: Drug Laws in Asia

Drug possession carries severe penalties including death penalty in many Asian countries

Death Penalty Countries

Singapore 🇸🇬, Malaysia 🇲🇾, Indonesia 🇮🇩, Thailand 🇹🇭, Vietnam 🇻🇳

Long Prison Sentences

Philippines 🇵🇭, Japan 🇯🇵, South Korea 🇰🇷 - 10+ years for possession

If You're Spiked or Drugged

⚠️ DO NOT go to police in these countries - YOU may be arrested:

Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines: Victims often prosecuted if drugs detected
Thailand, Japan: Mandatory drug testing - positive result = arrest
Indonesia: High risk of prosecution even as victim

→ Seek private medical care first. Contact your embassy. Do not admit drug use to authorities.

This page is for harm reduction education only. We strongly advise against drug use in Asia.

Harm Reduction Information

Party Drug Information

Evidence-based information about common substances, their effects, risks, and safer use practices.

View Country Laws Age Restrictions

No drugs found in this category

Drug Laws by Country

Know the laws before you travel. Ignorance is not a defense.

🇸🇬

Singapore

EXTREME RISK

DEATH PENALTY

Trafficking:

Mandatory death penalty for trafficking

Possession:

Long prison sentences (10+ years)

Cannabis:

Death penalty possible for >500g

If Spiked/Drugged:

DO NOT report being spiked - risk of arrest

One of the strictest in the world. Zero tolerance.

Tolerance Level:

0/10

🇲🇾

Malaysia

EXTREME RISK

DEATH PENALTY

Trafficking:

Mandatory death penalty

Possession:

Long prison sentences

Cannabis:

Death penalty for >200g

If Spiked/Drugged:

Extreme caution - victim may be prosecuted

Death penalty actively enforced

Tolerance Level:

0/10

🇮🇩

Indonesia

EXTREME RISK

DEATH PENALTY

Trafficking:

Death penalty for trafficking

Possession:

Up to 20 years prison

Cannabis:

Up to 20 years

If Spiked/Drugged:

High risk of arrest if testing positive

Death penalty for drug trafficking

Tolerance Level:

1/10

🇵🇭

Philippines

EXTREME RISK

Trafficking:

Life imprisonment

Possession:

12+ years for small amounts

Cannabis:

12-20 years

If Spiked/Drugged:

Very risky - "war on drugs" history

History of extrajudicial killings. Extreme caution.

Tolerance Level:

1/10

🇹🇭

Thailand

HIGH RISK

DEATH PENALTY

Trafficking:

Death penalty for large amounts

Possession:

Up to 10 years

Cannabis:

LEGAL with prescription (2024). Medical use only.

⚠️ Vaping:

ILLEGAL - up to 10 years prison

If Spiked/Drugged:

Moderate risk - may be detained for testing

Cannabis decriminalized for medical use. Vaping strictly illegal.

Tolerance Level:

4/10

🇻🇳

Vietnam

EXTREME RISK

DEATH PENALTY

Trafficking:

Death penalty

Possession:

Up to 20 years

Cannabis:

Up to 20 years

If Spiked/Drugged:

High risk of prosecution

Death penalty for trafficking

Tolerance Level:

1/10

🇯🇵

Japan

HIGH RISK

Trafficking:

Life imprisonment possible

Possession:

Up to 10 years

Cannabis:

Up to 7 years (even for use)

If Spiked/Drugged:

Will be tested and arrested if positive

Zero tolerance culture. Even cannabis use = jail time.

Tolerance Level:

2/10

🇰🇷

South Korea

HIGH RISK

Trafficking:

Life imprisonment

Possession:

Up to 10 years

Cannabis:

Prosecuted even if used abroad

If Spiked/Drugged:

Likely prosecution if testing positive

Can prosecute citizens for drug use abroad

Tolerance Level:

2/10

🇹🇼

Taiwan

MODERATE RISK

Trafficking:

Life imprisonment

Possession:

6 months - 5 years

Cannabis:

Up to 5 years

If Spiked/Drugged:

Moderate risk

More focus on treatment than punishment

Tolerance Level:

5/10

🇰🇭

Cambodia

MODERATE RISK

Trafficking:

Up to 30 years

Possession:

Up to 10 years

Cannabis:

Officially illegal, loosely enforced in tourist areas

If Spiked/Drugged:

Bribery common, risky to report

Laws exist but enforcement varies greatly

Tolerance Level:

6/10

Age Restrictions in Asia

Alcohol

Philippines 🇵🇭

18 years old

Strictly enforced in establishments

Thailand 🇹🇭 / Japan 🇯🇵

20 years old

Strictly enforced

South Korea 🇰🇷

19 years old

Based on birth year

Indonesia 🇮🇩

21 years old

Varies by region

Tobacco & Cigarettes

Most Countries

18 years old

Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia

Thailand 🇹🇭 / Japan 🇯🇵

20 years old

Strictly enforced

Singapore 🇸🇬

21 years old

Extremely high cigarette prices

Vaping / E-Cigarettes

Thailand 🇹🇭

ILLEGAL

⚠️ Up to 10 years prison

Even possession is illegal. Do not bring vapes to Thailand.

Singapore 🇸🇬 / Malaysia 🇲🇾

BANNED

Heavy fines and confiscation

Philippines 🇵🇭 - Legal (18+)

Regulated with age restrictions

Japan 🇯🇵 - Legal (20+)

Nicotine-free or heated tobacco only

Poppers (Alkyl Nitrites)

Legal status varies. Often sold as "room odorizers" or "leather cleaner." Age restrictions typically same as adult products (18+). Check local laws.

Emergency Contacts

Need Help? Call Now

Emergency services, hotlines, and support numbers across Asia. Tap any card to dial immediately.

🇵🇭

Philippines

911

Emergency Services (All)

191 Police • 199 Fire

Emergency Services (All)

113 Police • 114 Fire

Emergency Services (All)

117 Police • 118 Fire

Emergency Services (All)

Tap to Call

LGBTQ+ & Mental Health Support

LoveYourself 🇵🇭

HIV Testing & Support

Crisis Line (English)

International SOS: Dial 112 (works in most countries) or check your passport for embassy contacts.

Language Barriers: Most emergency lines have English operators. Say "English please" clearly.

Drug Emergency Warning: In countries with harsh drug laws, seeking medical help may result in arrest if drugs are detected. Contact your embassy first if possible.

You Matter: If you're in crisis, please reach out. These numbers exist to help you.

This information is for harm reduction and educational purposes only. We strongly advise against illegal drug use, especially in Asia where penalties are extreme. Content is based on research from DanceSafe, Erowid, and PsychonautWiki. Always consult healthcare professionals. Laws and penalties are current as of 2024 but subject to change.