Mum's stark warning to Brit tourists after son held in Thailand on drugs charges

A British mother has issued a heartfelt warning to fellow holidaymakers after her son was arrested at a and faced the terrifying prospect of up to 20 years in jail following the discovery of a small bag of cocaine in his passport.

Jamie Louis Swain, 29 at the time, from , had travelled to Thailand with his brother in May last year, looking forward to a relaxing break on Phuket Island. But what was meant to be a dream holiday quickly turned into a nightmare when Jamie was detained by immigration officials at Phuket International Airport.

Authorities claimed they found a plastic bag containing 0.42 grams of cocaine hidden in his passport. According to reports, Jamie appeared visibly distressed and began swearing and shaking, prompting officers to carry out further checks, including scanning his luggage and testing the substance.

The result led to his arrest under Thailand's strict Narcotics Act, where possession of even small quantities of drugs can carry lengthy prison sentences.

Jamie was later released on bail, the equivalent of £250, and avoided jail after a court hearing in July. He was deported to the UK in August and fined 50,000 baht (around £1,137).

His mother, Michelle Swain, 57, has now spoken publicly about the family's ordeal, describing the trauma of receiving the phone call no parent wants. Speaking to , Ms Swain said the experience left her feeling helpless and horrified.

"It was just meant to be a nice holiday," she said. "To get through two airports and then suddenly this bag appears, and he'd had his passport out all that time, I just find it very strange. I feel like it was a set-up."

Ms Swain acknowledged that some may dismiss her concern as maternal bias but insisted the incident raised serious questions. "I'm not naive, I've got three boys. I know what goes on. But it just doesn't make sense. I wouldn't wish what we went through on anyone."

She added that, while the Thai people were "beautiful" and "friendly," British tourists should be extremely cautious. "You can be as careful as you like, but if something like this happens, there's nothing you can do. It's frightening for the youngsters. It can ruin people's lives."

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the strict drug laws in Thailand, where possession of even trace amounts can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences, hefty fines, or even the death penalty in extreme cases.

While Jamie Swain is now back home in the UK, his mother says the emotional impact has been lasting, for both him and the family. Her advice to others planning trips abroad: "Be cautious, stay vigilant, and understand the laws of the country you're visiting. What starts as a holiday can quickly become a horror story."

British tourists are being urged to research local laws before travelling and to be mindful of the consequences of even accidental infractions in countries with zero-tolerance drug policies.