BANGKOK — Thai immigration authorities have categorically rejected allegations made by British teenager Bella May Culley, who claimed she was tortured and forced to smuggle drugs out of Thailand.
Police Lt. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, Commissioner of Immigration Bureau 2, addressed the matter on July 2, responding to reports from British and Georgian media. He said there was “absolutely no factual basis” for Culley’s accusations.
“There is no evidence whatsoever that any immigration or police officers forced or threatened the suspect to smuggle drugs out of the country,” Choengron stated.
Immigration officers reviewed CCTV footage from Suvarnabhumi Airport showing Culley departing Thailand on May 10, 2025, via Air Arabia flight G9822 to Sharjah, UAE. The footage captured her passing smoothly through the automated passport gates, walking without distress or signs of injury, and making no request for assistance.
Thai authorities believe Culley’s claims are an attempt to mitigate her legal troubles. She will now be listed as a prohibited person in the Thai immigration system because of credible evidence linking her to drug trafficking.
Background of Georgian Case:
Culley, 19, a university student from the UK, is on trial in Georgia, where she has pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing and trafficking large quantities of drugs. According to Georgian prosecutors, she was detained after 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish were discovered in her luggage at Tbilisi International Airport.
In court, Culley claimed she was tortured in Thailand and forced to carry the drugs, showing a scar on her wrist allegedly inflicted with a hot iron. Her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia, argued she was a victim coerced by a criminal network and insisted it was “impossible” she knowingly committed the crime.
Culley told the court she tried to seek help from a Thai policeman, but alleged he was involved in the same criminal group.
Thai Denial:
Lt. Gen. Choengron dismissed this narrative, emphasizing that no records or evidence support any misconduct by Thai officers. He said Thai immigration collaborates closely with other agencies, including customs and narcotics control, and has assisted in numerous drug arrests this year.
Culley has remained in custody in Georgia for 52 days as investigations continue. Her next court hearing is scheduled for July 10.
