The Foreign Ministry is warning Thai travellers not to carry a stun gun to Hong Kong because they could be convicted of illegal possession of a weapon and face long prison terms and large fines.
In its Facebook page, the ministry quoted the Thai consulate-general as reporting that Hong Kong police asked Thai authorities to warn Thai visitors to Hong Kong that electroshock weapons are illegal in Hong Kong and those who carry them could face tough penalties.
The advice from Hong Kong police followed arrests of several Thai people with electroshock guns.
Three Thai visitors were apprehended for taking stun guns to Hong Kong in February and July this year. They received prison sentences ranging from one day to one month and were fined 1,000-2,000 Hong Kong dollars (4,600-9,200 baht). Three other Thai travellers were punished for the same offence last year, the ministry said.
Anyone visiting or passing through Hong Kong by any means of transport is prohibited from carrying a stun gun. Under Hong Kong law they are deemed to be a weapon and illegal weapons possession is a serious crime there, the Foreign Ministry stated.
Offenders are liable to a jail term of up to 14 years and a fine of up to HK$100,000 (about 460,000 baht).