Susi (not her real name) is a middle-aged Thai woman who regularly travels to Australia to visit her two children studying here.
Because she travels light, in recent years she began accepting requests to deliver packages to make a little extra money on each trip.
Such delivery requests — referred to as รับหิ้วของ, pronounced rab-hiu-khong and meaning 'carrying goods' — are increasingly common on Thai community social media groups.
"Earlier in 2025, I posted in a Thai community social media group in Brisbane saying I could carry items for people because I still had spare baggage allowance," Susi said.
"I'd done it twice before and never had any problems."
However, this time would be different.
One of the people who responded claimed to run a Thai handicrafts and garments shop in Australia, and said they wanted to send fabrics and handicrafts.
A suspicious parcel arrives
Susi agreed to the arrangement, and the packages arrived.
"They sent the parcel to my house in Thailand four days before my flight. I hadn't opened it yet, not until just before I was about to travel," she said.
However, while packing, Susi realised the packages were heavier than she'd been told, and she noticed something unusual about the packaging.
The package Susi agreed to bring to Australia turned out to weigh more than she'd been told. Source: Supplied
Unsure of what it was, Susi took photos and sent them to her son in Australia, who warned her that it was likely illegal drugs.
A life-changing decision
Unsure what to do, Susi contacted the sender to cancel the delivery and asked them to take back the items. The person refused to provide an address and instead asked her to send the packages to a private courier's distribution office in another city.
Fearing that doing so might implicate them in a crime, Susi and her husband handed the parcels and all related communication records to the Thai police.
"I thought, if I send it back, I'll go from being the recipient to being the person who ships the drugs. I'd definitely be the one responsible," she said.
An investigation by Thai authorities confirmed the white powder was methamphetamine. Source: Supplied
She was also told that, within five days, police had arrested a man and a woman in an apartment in northern Thailand. They reportedly confessed to being paid 100,000 baht — roughly $4,700 — to send the package on behalf of a major drug syndicate.
'I couldn't sleep at all'
As a witness in the case, Susi told SBS Thai that even after the arrests and the case ending, the ordeal left her deeply traumatised.
She suffered from sleepless nights and constant anxiety, fearing retaliation from the syndicate. For nearly a month, police officers took turns guarding her home.
"I couldn't sleep at all. I was terrified. I didn't know when those people might come after me, try to take their stuff back, or even accuse me of reporting them to the police," she said.
"I was so anxious I couldn't live my life normally," she said
She said the ordeal affected not only her but also her family. Adding that if she hadn't opened the parcel, she could be serving a life sentence in Australia.
A warning to travellers
Susi now warns others against accepting parcels or luggage from anyone, even friends or acquaintances.
She said that people often underestimate the risks, thinking they are doing a harmless favour.
"I want everyone to be careful. Even if it's from a friend or someone you know well, never agree to carry something when you don't know what's inside. What you gain will never be worth the risk you're taking," she said.
Following several similar incidents, Australian authorities are also warning travellers against carrying goods for others when travelling.
An Australian Border Force (ABF) spokesperson told SBS Thai that criminal syndicates exploit vulnerable people and use them to smuggle drugs into Australia.
"Those lured into doing the dirty work of organised crime groups should be aware that they don't stand a chance at the Australian border," the spokesperson said.
They added that ABF officers continue to work around the clock to make Australia's borders a hostile environment for criminal activity.
"Our message is clear — no offer is worth the risk. ABF officers are one step ahead, and you will be caught."
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) also warned that even unknowingly carrying drugs into Australia can come with tough penalties.
"Importing border-controlled drugs into Australia, knowingly or unknowingly, carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment," an AFP spokesperson said.
"Travellers should not carry goods or items belonging to, or for, other people. If you've been asked to carry something on behalf of another person, be sure you know exactly what is inside."
"If you are in Australia and have received an offer of travel or other compensation for carrying items into Australia, or have any information about criminal syndicates, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Thai.
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